17 June 2026
A new digital service is being launched as part of plans to reduce waiting times for patients who need an operation.
SaTH is rolling out an online tool which will enable some patients waiting for surgery to have their pre-operative assessment at home.
Patients who require an anaesthetic undergo a pre-operative assessment to prepare them for their surgical procedure either at the Princess Royal (PRH) and Royal Shrewsbury (RSH) hospitals. This is so they are clinically ready to be called for their operation.
Currently patients travel to a clinic at either Sentinel Park in Shrewsbury or PRH in Telford for their assessment, which involves completing a questionnaire. Instead, from Monday 22 June, some patients will be able to fill in their questionnaire online.
Gynaecology patients will be the first to use the new online assessment service. They will be contacted via text from Thursday 18 June to prompt them to fill in their questionnaire.
Michelle Cole, Divisional Director of Nursing for Surgery, said: “The new digital service will allow patients to complete their pre-operative questionnaire from home instead of attending an appointment at a clinic.
“It will reduce inconvenience as some patients will not need to travel for a face-to-face appointment. This won’t be the case for every patient as we recognise that some with more complex needs will still need to be seen face-to-face.
“It means we will be able to prepare more patients for their operations in advance, as well as make it much easier for our clinical teams to plan their care.
“Patients awaiting a gynaecological procedure will be the first to use the new online service. They will be contacted by text and should follow the instructions to complete their questionnaire. Our staff will be available to support patients who have any questions about using the new service.”
Ned Hobbs, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “As part of our plans to improve access to planned care for patients, we have increased the number of operations and procedures we are carrying out. This means we also need to increase the pool of patients who are ready to be called for their operations.
“Moving part of our pre-operative assessment pathway online will not only make it easier for patients as many will no longer need a face-to-face appointment, it will also reduce the time they are waiting for their operation. A huge thank you to our dedicated staff involved in launching the new service which will make a positive difference to our patients.”