Information for patients
CUH Fit 4 Surgery introduction
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MecKrS_g6KA&ab_channel=CUHNHS
Fit 4 Surgery is a prehabilitation service for patients due to have major surgery at Cambridge University Hospital. Since the pandemic this group session has moved to an online format. It’s held weekly, on a Tuesday, and is delivered by our team of consultant anaesthetists, senior physiotherapists and pre-assessment clinical nurse specialists.
Fit 4 Surgery is currently available to all specialties – please ask your surgeon or specialist nurse for more information and to find out if you are eligible to attend.
Please be aware this footage was filmed pre-covid. There are some significant changes which have been implemented due to the pandemic including the use of face coverings, social distancing and visiting restrictions.
Patient journey
Having surgery
- Having surgery is a major life event
- Prepared patients recover more quickly
- Physical and psychological preparation
- YOU are most important- what you do now can have a big impact on your recovery
When we have surgery
- Having surgery is like running a marathon
- Being in hospital affects our fitness
- Fitter patients do better postop
Useful resources
Preparing physically for surgery
Although our trust is based in Cambridge we see many patients from our neighbouring counties. In order to find services to help prepare you for surgery locally, we have complied a list of available resources across the east of England - Here you will find further support available in the location you live.
Strength For Life was founded in 2018 with one simple goal in mind, to improve public health through the use of evidence based strength training. This link (opens in a new tab) has examples of exercises which may help you prepare for surgery.
Cambridge and Peterborough – Waiting Well Service
The Waiting Well service (opens in a new tab) is here to provide you with relevant information, opportunities, and access to a broad range of services in your local area that will optimise the time you are waiting for your treatment. Whilst not all of the information on this website will be relevant to you, there are many sections that will be applicable and helpful!
Some people are waiting longer than we’d like, and while we are prioritising those with the most urgent clinical need and working as safely and quickly as possible to see and treat as many patients as we can, we understand that waiting can be a very challenging time.
Our aim is to make good use of the time you are waiting, to ensure you attend your next appointment in the best possible physical and mental health.
Psychological well-being
Waiting for treatment can be extremely challenging psychologically and we all need support at times. If you or a family member needs psychological wellbeing support, patients can self-refer to the Psychological Wellbeing Service run by CPFT (opens in a new tab);
- Tel: 0300 300 0055 9am-4pm
- Email the self-referral address.
Visiting
For the most up to date visiting CUH guidance.