"Cataract surgery"

My father attended for his first cataract operation this week at the Birmingham Eye Hospital.

The majority of the staff were kind and respectful.

However, the most shocking part was when the patients were separated from their loved ones from the very beginning into 2 different waiting rooms.

The majority of patients attending were older adults. However, having surgery no matter how minor is a very anxious period for patients and is a time when reassurance and support from their loved ones is vital. So why separate them?

I could understand if the waiting area was full whilst patients were being assessed but this was not the case at all. And one healthcare member insisted the relatives left and was not compassionate in their demeanour.

In fact, whilst waiting for their operations most of the patients went out to the other ward to sit with their relations.

When I asked the staff why this was the case, I was told that it was the matron's rule.

In the name of humaneness and respect for patients, I strongly urge the Birmingham Eye Hospital needs to review this rule and allow patients to sit with their loved ones whilst awaiting surgery. This rule will also help patients with dementia or cognitive impairment to less likely develop delirium which is a devastating complication.