"A&E emergency and impact on short stay surgery unit"

Dear sir,

I have nothing but praise for the way that the short stay surgical unit at the Royal Surrey County hospital in Guildford handled the situation yesterday. The staff at the unit came into work knowing that all their beds had been taken by A&E admissions due to lack of beds in the main hospital.

Admittedly there were some cancellations, but the manager and his staff worked tirelessly to keep to their booking list. I was informed the day before of possible problems and knew I could expect a long wait. Having arrived at 07. 30 as agreed, I had consultations with my physiotherapist regarding post op follow up, met my surgeon, who came to collect me personally for the operation and was finally operated on at around 14. 00. I was given a bed in a recovery room and a very tasty supper from a menu choice (I often wonder why so many people decry hospital food), I was checked out to go home at around 19. 00.

I do think it is time that all political parties agreed that rather than seeking credit for cutting back on our health costs, they championed the cause of this essential service for its citizens. Of course that would need the general public to realise and accept that good health care costs money and we would all have to pay a little more.

My thanks go to Dr Flannery and his team and all who supported my treatment on such a difficult day.

Yours sincerely,