Perioperative Care Patient Charter
The Perioperative Care Patient Charter sets out what patients can expect from good‑quality perioperative care - from the point surgery is first discussed through to recovery.
The Charter reflects CPOC’s commitment to care that is safe, personalised and centred on what matters to patients. It describes the principles that should underpin perioperative care across the NHS, including shared decision making, clear communication, and support to prepare for surgery and recover afterwards.
Developed to support consistent standards, the Charter helps patients understand their role in their care, while setting clear expectations for healthcare teams delivering perioperative services. It can be used by organisations and clinicians to support improvement in perioperative pathways and promote a more joined up integrated experience for patients.
The Charter is intended to complement national guidance and local practice and to support conversations between patients and healthcare professionals about treatment choices, preparation for surgery, and recovery.
Our commitment to you
Perioperative care is the care we give from the time you first talk about your operation until you have recovered. At the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC), we believe everyone should get safe, kind, and well-planned care. This guide explains what you can expect from your healthcare team before, during, and after your surgery. It also explains how you can help look after your own health.
- You are an equal partner in your care
- Your wishes and the things that matter to you will be at the centre of all decisions
- We will explain your diagnosis and all treatment choices in a way that you can understand
- We will explain the risks and benefits of each treatment
- Your health will be checked to create a care plan
just for you - We will support you to improve your health before your surgery. We will include advice about:
• Diet
• Exercise
• Stopping smoking
• Cutting down on alcohol
• Your other medical conditions
- Your care will follow national standards
- Care delivery will be regularly checked to make sure it is of good quality
- We will treat you with dignity and respect
- We will give you clear and honest information at the right time
- You can bring a family member or friend or carer to appointments
- We will tell you who to contact if you have questions or worries
- We will support you in getting back to daily life after your operation by helping with:
• Pain control
• Eating and drinking well
• Getting moving again - We will give you a plan and contact details for support before you go home
Your role as a patient
To get the best results from your operation, we ask you to:
- Ask questions and share what matters to you with your healthcare team
- Follow advice on how best to prepare before your operation
- Show respect to every member of the healthcare team.
