"Day surgery for hernia repair"

I saw the consultant in November of last year, and the consultant said that I would be admitted some time after Christmas, and would need an overnight stay (for pain relief).

Owing to winter illnesses, staff shortages and doctors strikes, I did not get to have the procedure until mid April, but I was happy with that, as I had not expected to get in before June.

I thought the Day Surgery ward was very well organised, considering the number of patients they have to cope with, and I could not fault the staff or the cleanliness of the ward.

However, both the nurse and the surgeon who dealt with me seemed more interested in getting me home the same day than in anything else, and I was refused the overnight stay that I had been told I would need!!

I happen to think that anyone having a general anaesthetic needs an overnight stay, unless, of course, they do not want one (as I am sure many dont).

Day surgery might be fine for men, who have wives to look after them, and for kids, who have parents to look after them.

I happen to have a husband who thinks the household chores can just be left!!!!!

I should have stood up for myself, told a little white lie, and said that he would not be around to collect me, but I reckon they would have phoned him to check !!

I didnt appreciate being woken up and told to get ready to go home, as I did not feel ready to go home. Staying overnight would have made all the difference, and this should be an option.