Operation Preparation

St James's Hospital
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  • HEALTH & FITNESS

Operation Preparation, a new podcast hosted by St James’s Hospital staff, provides surgical patients with key information ahead of their upcoming procedure with the objective of empowering patients and seeing them have better outcomes. The six-part series seeks to answer the common questions people have about anaesthesia in the lead up to surgery, by providing a compilation of relevant patient experiences and insights from which new patients can benefit from, allowing them to clarify their own concerns. This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Episode 18 - Surgery for Oesophageal or Stomach Cancer

    11/26/2025

    Episode 18 - Surgery for Oesophageal or Stomach Cancer

    Guest speakers Consultant Surgeon in Upper Gastro-Intestinal Surgery, Ms Claire Donohoe and Clinical Nurse Specialist Jenny Moore talk about two major operations - oesophagectomy and gastrectomy - surgeries to remove part or all of the oesophagus (food pipe) or stomach. These are complex but carefully planned procedures, carried out by a specialist surgical team to treat conditions like cancer of the oesophagus or stomach. They guide you through what happens before, during, and after surgery, why these operations are done and how they help, what the surgery involves, what to expect on the day and how your team keeps you safe and comfortable in theatre and after your surgery.   For more information:  Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here. Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at operationpreparation@stjames.ie   Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic CT scan: computed tomography scan  ECG: Electrocardiography ECHO: echocardiogram GI: gastro-intestinal  ICU: intensive care unit PET CT: Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography   This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  2. Episode 17 - Anaesthesia and Pregnancy

    11/26/2025

    Episode 17 - Anaesthesia and Pregnancy

    This episode explains how anaesthesia is safely used during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and other surgeries during pregnancy. Guest speakers consultant anaesthesiologist Dr Noelle Healy and Assistant Director of Nursing and Midwifery, Ms Raji Dominic, from the Coombe Hospital Dublin, describe the different types of anaesthesia — including epidurals, spinal blocks, and general anaesthesia - and how each is chosen to suit the mother’s and baby’s needs. The discussion covers what to expect before, during, and after anaesthesia, how comfort and safety are maintained, and the role of the anaesthetic team in supporting both mother and baby throughout the process.     For more information:  Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here. See here if you're preparing for Caesarean birth.    Visit the Coombe Pre-Assessment Clinic, Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at operationpreparation@stjames.ie   Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic C Section: Caesarean Section  ID: identification  PCA: patient controlled analgesia   This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  3. Episode 16 - Your Intensive Care Unit Stay

    11/26/2025

    Episode 16 - Your Intensive Care Unit Stay

    This episode takes you behind the doors of the Intensive Care Unit - a place that can seem daunting, but is designed for your safety and recovery. Guest speakers consultant anaesthesiologist Carrie Murphy and Advanced Nurse Practitioner Louise Mullen explain what the ICU is, who might need to be there, and what kind of care and monitoring happens around the clock. They’ll also share tips for patients and families on how to prepare, communicate with staff, and look after themselves during this time.   For more information:    Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here.   Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at operationpreparation@stjames.ie. Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic GP: General Practitioner ICU: Intensive Care Unit   This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  4. Episode 15 - Physiotherapy: Prehab and Rehab!

    11/26/2025

    Episode 15 - Physiotherapy: Prehab and Rehab!

    The PAAC team explore how physiotherapists support patients before and after surgery to help achieve the best possible recovery. Guest physiotherapist, Niamh Mc Carthy, explains the importance of prehabilitation - exercises and education that prepare your body for surgery - and how rehabilitation after surgery helps to improve recovery, regain movement, strength, and confidence.   For more information:  Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here.   View the Prehab Video Demo.   View the Active Breathing Cycle Technique Video. View the exercise leaflet. Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic GP: General Practitioner ACBT: Active Cycle of Breathing Technique   This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    9 min
  5. Episode 14 - What is Regional Anaesthetic?

    11/26/2025

    Episode 14 - What is Regional Anaesthetic?

    In this episode, the PAAC team explore regional anaesthesia — what it is, how it works, and when it’s used. Guest anaesthesiologist, Dr Ben Atterton, explains how this type of anaesthetic can numb specific areas of the body while keeping you awake and comfortable during surgery and recovery. He discusses the different types of regional blocks, what to expect before and after the procedure, and how this approach can help with pain control and recovery. You will also hear from patient ‘Grace’ who shares her experience of having a regional anaesthetic in The South Dublin Surgical Hub.   For more information:  Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here. View the video of a regional anaesthetic procedure here.   Email the team with questions/topics you would like us to cover here at operationpreparation@stjames.ie. Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic GP: General Practitioner   This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    23 min
  6. Episode 13 - Stopping Smoking Before Surgery

    11/26/2025

    Episode 13 - Stopping Smoking Before Surgery

    Welcome to the first episode of Season 3! In this episode, the team explore how quitting smoking before surgery can have benefits to your health, even in as little as 24 hours. This episode’s guest, Clinical Nurse Specialist Carmel Doherty, explains how smoking affects anaesthesia, wound healing, infection risk, and shares her top tips for quitting smoking before your operation.   For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website here, where transcripts of this episode can be found. You can visit the PAAC webpage here and the St James's Hospital website here. Visit the Quit Smoking Website. St James Hospital Stop Smoking Information National Stop Smoking Quitline: 1800 201 203 Email the team with questions/topics you would like covered at operationpreparation@stjames.ie. Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic GP: General Practitioner NRT: Nicotine Replacement Therapy    This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition. Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  7. Episode 12 - What is a General Anaesthetic?

    11/26/2025

    Episode 12 - What is a General Anaesthetic?

    In the final episode of season 2, the team explains how a general anaesthetic works and answers some questions sent in by listeners to alleviate common fears.   For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website: www.stjames.ie/operationpreparation.   Email us questions/topics you would like us to cover here at; operationpreparation@stjames.ie.   The transcript for this episode can be found here. Visit our PAAC page: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic | St James's Hospital St James' Hospital Website: https://www.stjames.ie     Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic GA – General anaesthetic IV – Intravenous ET – endotracheal LMA – laryngeal mask airway     This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition.   Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    14 min
  8. Episode 11 - Pain and Your Recovery

    11/26/2025

    Episode 11 - Pain and Your Recovery

    Pain and Your Recovery, explained in episode 11 of ‘Operation Preparation’ aims to show patients how immediate post operative pain is managed by the anaesthetic team. Good pain management is key to a good recovery!   For more information: Check out the Operation Preparation ‘Steps For A Stronger Start’ website: www.stjames.ie/operationpreparation   Email us questions/topics you would like us to cover here at; operationpreparation@stjames.ie.     The transcript for this episode can be found here. Visit our PAAC page: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic | St James's Hospital St James' Hospital Website: https://www.stjames.ie   Abbreviations: PAAC: Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment Clinic NSAID: Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory PCA: Patient Controlled Analgesia PRN: as needed (pro re nata)     This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition.   Music created and recorded by Niall Malone & Mikey Murray. Recording & Sound Production by Kevin at Philtrum Pictures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
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About

Operation Preparation, a new podcast hosted by St James’s Hospital staff, provides surgical patients with key information ahead of their upcoming procedure with the objective of empowering patients and seeing them have better outcomes. The six-part series seeks to answer the common questions people have about anaesthesia in the lead up to surgery, by providing a compilation of relevant patient experiences and insights from which new patients can benefit from, allowing them to clarify their own concerns. This podcast is for general guidance and information only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    St James's Hospital
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © St James's Hospital
  • Show Website
    Operation Preparation