"SEAL unit experience"

My attended the SEAL Unit. 

She arrived mid morning for the appointment - but was told almost immediately after I had left that her operation was delayed until late afternoon…. When we arrived they put her in a gown and surgical socks (she is nil by mouth), etc, and told me I had to go as it was patients only - and only then told her about the delay. At one point a nurse came over and said to her - Why are you still here - you’ve been discharged - but after three other nurses crowded around a screen they decided that was a mistake.

As if the surgery isn’t stressful enough - she was not added'to the theatre list - in last place.

I went back to see her in the early afternoon and bring her kindle to her so she had something to read - and I could see people delayed in every waiting room…. It’s soul destroying for her…. 

She hasn't had a drink or food since 9pm the previous night (it is now 3pm) and the nurse told her if she has a glass of water they will cancel the operation. What a lovely attitude to display to someone who is clearly alone, anxious and suffering from dehydration. 

So why ask people to attend early for an operation they knew upon arrival had been delayed? Why make people starve themselves for 18 hours?

Every time she asks when the surgery might take place they say it depends where you are on the list love. Well she's at the bottom of the list because someone messed it up in the morning. What a disgrace.... 

This has been the worst medical experience in her life, and must up there as the worst day of her life so far...  

The NHS are amazing in an emergency. The Surgeons are amazing at what they do for us in theatre - but the institution is evidently awful at dealing with programmed procedures. I seriously cannot believe this is happening to one of the kindest, sweetest most patient people you could meet. Felt like being treated like an idiot, sitting alone and frightened in plastic pants and a paper-gown as the waiting room gets darker and darker.