Confluence Health opens new pre-anesthesia testing clinic in Wenatchee

WENATCHEE — Confluence Health marked the opening of its new Pre-Anesthesia Testing (PAT) Clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 27, unveiling a new facility designed to improve patient safety, reduce surgical complications, and streamline preparation for procedures across the region.

The clinic is located at Confluence Health’s Hospital Central Campus, with the first patients expected to begin receiving care starting Feb. 9.

“The PAT Clinic provides patients with comprehensive medical evaluations and education before surgery, helping them understand expectations, address underlying health concerns, and reduce risks that can affect surgical outcomes,” said Kelly Allen, chief nursing officer at Confluence Health. “When a patient is preparing for an upcoming surgery, clinic nurses and medical providers conduct thorough assessments, preparing patients for safer, more successful procedures.”

The clinic’s work includes reviewing medical history, coordinating diagnostic tests, managing medications, and identifying risk factors that could complicate surgery or recovery. Hospital officials said improving health before surgery is especially important for patients with conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, tobacco use, or weight-related concerns.

“The new clinic also uses Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which have been standard practice for more than a decade and are proven to shorten hospital stays, decrease postoperative pain and the need for pain-relieving medication, reduce complications and readmissions, and increase patient satisfaction,” said Liz Dittbrender, vice president of perioperative and procedural services at Confluence Health. “With this new dedicated PAT Clinic, Confluence Health can fully deploy ERAS in a focused environment where staff can deliver consistent, evidence-based preparation for every surgical patient.”

Common tests performed in the clinic include complete blood counts, urinalysis, medical profiles, X-rays, and electrocardiograms. If additional care or testing is needed, the clinic coordinates directly with providers to complete follow-up before surgery.

“This preparation not only minimizes delays or cancellations caused by unaddressed medical risks but also helps reduce anxiety for patients by getting them as prepared as possible for their surgery with all their questions answered and needs met,” Dittbrender said. “A PAT clinic also lowers preoperative admission time and helps to reduce the overall length of stay.”

Dr. Andrew Jones, CEO of Confluence Health, said the new clinic is the result of extensive collaboration across the organization.

“The opening of the new clinic represents the fulfillment of work and collaboration of numerous teams across Confluence Health who contributed their expertise through planning sessions, site-walk evaluations, workflow design, and clinical review,” Jones said. “Patients across North Central Washington will benefit immediately from PAT Clinic services.”

Jones said the clinic will play a key role in improving surgical care by reducing infection risks, shortening hospital stays, speeding recovery, and improving overall patient readiness, while also supporting Confluence Health’s mission of delivering high-quality care close to home.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media