NHS Grampian has launched a new prehabilitation website to encourage patients getting ready for surgery to use their waiting time to improve their health and wellbeing which in turn will aid their recovery.
Fit Surgery aims to improve patient experience, recovery times and shorten hospital stays through providing information on topics that enable patients to be as prepared as possible for surgery, their time in hospital and going home.
The resource has been developed by a steering group which included NHS Grampian’s acute sector dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists who worked alongside a wider multi-disciplinary team. They were supported by eHealth web developers and the projected was funded through the NHS Grampian Endowments Fund.
Professor Duff Bruce, Clinical Lead for the National Treatment Centre in Grampian and General Surgeon, said: “We know that the better prepared someone is and the fitter they are when they undergo surgery, the better their experience and outcome will be.
“The website offers advice about physical exercise, how to have a healthy diet, how to reduce your smoking and alcohol intake, information about your medicines and how to prepare yourself mentally for your admission, and also that you have your home ready for when it’s time to go home.”
