I am shocked that the lack of bed availability are main reasons for last minute cancellations. On two occasions, I had to be nil by mouth by 12am and disconnect my TPN feed at 5am earlier than my usual time to ensure I am on time for my 7. 30am appointment.
By 9am I have registered at the reception, seen to by the auxiliary nurse, staff nurse, anaesthetic, registrar/ surgeon at different times. It is shocking to witness wasted resources, administration, booked theatre and surgeon time and costs at the admission lounge and also at the pre-assessment clinic one week prior to planned operation date.
By 1pm on both occasions I am advised that my operation has been cancelled due to lack of beds. The meal voucher does not cover the costs of the parking ticket.
I have witnessed more than 60 percent of others patients leaving the room in disappointment and hope they too raise awareness of unsatisfactory service so improvements can be put in place to avoid unnecessary costs to the NHS and the patient.
Poor mangement of beds and abuse of continuous usage of offering another date within 28 days guarantee after last minute cancellation does not guarantee a bed.
I have contacted PALs and am waiting to receive details of whom I need to forward my complaint letter to in the first instance.
"Operation cancelled twice due to lack of beds"
About: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham / General surgery Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham General surgery Birmingham B15 2WB
Posted by Voiceforchange (as ),
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