HASHTAG CLEAN: A Guide to Pre-operative Preparation of the Surgical Patient (Part 1)

Surgical site infections are often driven by the patient’s own skin flora, making effective pre-operative preparation essential for reducing risk and improving outcomes.

This practical session focuses on the first stage of patient preparation. We explore why technique matters, how poor clipping can increase infection risk, and how to approach hair removal safely and efficiently. From selecting appropriate clip margins to adapting your approach for different procedures, this session provides clear, practical guidance to help you prepare patients correctly and consistently for surgery.

A focused session designed to build confidence in one of the most important and often underestimated steps in surgical preparation.

Louise Grieve

RVN

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Louise graduated from Glasgow University in 2003 with a degree in Zoology. After a few years, she started her veterinary nursing training whilst working in a small general practice in Glasgow. She qualified in 2009 and joined Vets Now Referral Hospital in Glasgow in 2011, where she spent 9 years as Senior Surgery Nurse. In 2016, she gained a distinction in her Advanced Veterinary Nursing Diploma. For the last 3 years, Louise has held the position of Learning and Development Team Leader at Veterinary Specialists Scotland. Having recently gained her Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing in Teaching and Coaching, she enjoys supporting the nursing team with their professional development journeys, as well as helping them to identify and address training needs.