Patients at Grampian University Hospitals NHS Trust undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery were traditionally admitted two days before surgery for tests and medical assessment. However, patient education was not optimal and problems detected could result in delays and cancellations. A multidisciplinary pre-admission clinic was established to address these issues. In the four years the clinic has been running, 97 per cent of patients given appointments have attended. The number of inpatient cancellations has been reduced and waiting list management is good. Patients are given clear information and have time to absorb it. Results of a pilot patient satisfaction survey were encouraging. There are plans to expand the service, which currently covers just over half of all admissions for major joint surgery.