Preparing you safely for surgery
The Queen Square Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic provides a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary service for all patients undergoing surgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN).
We are dedicated to ensuring you are fully prepared for surgery — medically, practically and emotionally. Our team works closely with patients, families, GPs and hospital specialists to deliver safe, efficient and compassionate care.
Please note: This is a dedicated service for NHNN patients only. For all other hospitals within the Trust, please contact the UCLH switchboard on 020 3456 7890.
Who we are
We serve local, national and international patients undergoing neurosurgical and spinal procedures at NHNN. Our experienced team includes consultant anaesthetists, specialist nurses and a dedicated co-ordinator. Together, we provide expert care tailored to each patient’s individual needs.
What we do
Every patient referred for surgery at NHNN undergoes a pre-operative assessment. This ensures that you are in the best possible health before your operation and that your surgical and anaesthetic teams are fully informed.
Our service includes:
- Comprehensive health review – medical history, medications, allergies and anaesthetic history
- Routine investigations – including blood tests, ECG and MRSA screening
- Additional tests where required – echocardiography, lung function testing, or myocardial perfusion scans
- Specialist referrals – to cardiology or other teams for further advice, if indicated
- Collaboration with GPs and local hospitals – to gather further medical information when needed
- Medication review and peri-operative management – ensuring safety and continuity of care
- Personalised preparation – clear information and advice about admission, anaesthesia, surgery and recovery
In some cases, further tests may delay surgery. However, the majority of patients proceed as planned. Once pre-assessment is complete, you will be contacted by the Admissions Office Team closer to your surgery date.
Patient contact
Service management
Dr Yasmine Samaroo
Other contact information
Tel: 020 3448 3348 (Monday to Thursday, 8am – 6pm)
Please note: This number is only for patients having surgery at the National Hospital in Queen Square. For all other enquiries, please contact switchboard on 020 3456 7890.
Address
Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic
Royal National Hospital for Integrated Medicine
2nd floor
Great Ormond Street
London
WC1N 3HR
Other referral information
All patients are referred by the neurosurgical and spinal teams at NHNN. Your pre-operative assessment appointment will be arranged automatically by the Admissions Office Team once your surgeon has allocated your surgery date.
Please note: Referrals are managed electronically by the Patient Booking Team. We cannot accept postal or email referrals, and the Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic does not handle referral enquiries.
Other UCLH Pre-Operative Assessment Clinics
University College Hospital (UCH), Euston Road
Theatres Pre-Assessment (reception)
Tel: 020 3447 3167 / 020 3447 3170 / 020 3447 3171
Email: uclh.pre-assessment.admin@nhs.net
University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street
Pre-Assessment (urology/thoracic)
Tel: 020 3456 5140
Royal National ENT & Eastman Dental Hospitals
Pre-Assessment
Tel: 020 3456 5140
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing (maternity, obstetrics & gynaecology)
Pre-Assessment
Tel: 020 3447 6558
UCLH Private Healthcare
Pre-Assessment Team
Tel: 020 3448 4260
By investing in careful preparation before surgery, our patients benefit from safer anaesthesia, smoother recovery and greater confidence at every stage of their journey.
We recognise that preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming. Our service is designed to provide reassurance and guidance at every stage. Patients can:
- Speak directly with the pre-assessment team about concerns relating to hospital admission, anaesthesia or surgery
- Access a wide range of information leaflets and trusted online resources
- Receive advice on pain relief, recovery and discharge planning
Our most recent patient experience and satisfaction survey found that:
- 100% of patients were very satisfied with the service they received.
- This outcome has been consistent, with 100% “very satisfied” feedback maintained over the last five years.
Patient feedback includes:
- “Nurse was empathic, conscientious and listened to my concerns. Addressed them and put me at ease.”
- “Seen by a very professional nurse who was thorough and attentive.”
- “Good clear guidance and advice given by a patient and friendly nurse.”
- “First class service from a professional nurse who dealt with me in a gentle and kind manner.”
The Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic is staffed by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, including a clinic co-ordinator, the lead sister, experienced senior staff nurses, a health care assistant, and consultant anaesthetists. Together, they ensure patients are fully supported and prepared for surgery.
Clinic support
- Pre-operative assessment co-ordinator
Nursing team
- Ms L Davies – lead sister, pre-operative assessment clinic
- Pre-assessment senior staff nurses
- Healthcare assistant
Consultant anaesthetists
- Dr Yasmine Samaroo – clinical lead, pre-operative assessment clinic
- Dr Stuart Connal
- Dr Zainab Hussein
- Dr Robert John
- Dr Michelle Leemans
- Dr John Orr
- Cerebral Angiogram (General Anaesthetic)
- Cerebral Angiogram (Local Anaesthetic)
- Cerebral AVM (Arterio Venous Malformation) Endovascular Treatment
- Having a craniotomy or biopsy for a suspected brain tumour
- Intradural spinal tumour resection
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) under general anaesthesia
- Multi-level anterior cervical discectomy
- Obesity/High body Mass Index– what are the risks?
