"Long wait!"

I went to day surgery for a planned operation on 24/7/14. Arriving at 06.50hrs I was left waiting over an hour before being given a cubicle with just a hard uncomfortable chair. I was informed I was second on list then an emergency came in - which I understand should take priority At 11.00hrs I was told to change into gown which I didn't do as I had a feeling I would have a long wait! I had not had a sip of water since 06.00hrs. I asked 6 people including my surgeon for a drink as it was a hot day - no drink arrived I was then informed at lunchtime I may have to go home and wait for another appointment due to time constraints. I was angry having waited a year in agony and taking morphine based analgesia for all that time. Eventually I was told the surgeon was going to work until 8pm operating. I was relieved but also felt sorry for him having to work such long hours I was eventually taken to theatre at 18.15hrs 12hrs after having a sip of water. Luckily my op was a success and I was discharged the next day with no take home analgesia The staff and surgeon were kind and apologetic it was not their fault but the fault of south meads system. I think the hospital was opened far too early before systems procedures and protocols were finalised.