"Frighteningly chaotic"

I saw my consultant in November 2017. At this time they (the consultant) considered performing my procedure that afternoon, but decided not to as there was no bed free and they deemed it necessary that i stay overnight. Late in December an appointment came through from day surge for Friday 12th January. I telephoned and explained that i was an overnight patient. An appointment then came through for Thursday 11th, to be seen in the Surgical Admissions Lounge, operated on, and transferred to a ward for the night. I rearranged my lifts and general support. A text reminder came through from Day Surgery. I phoned them and the SAL to try to clarify that i was an overnight patient. On 10th January i received a telephone call to say that my procedure was cancelled as their were no beds. I knew this was because of the flu epidemic, so it was fair enough though frustrating.

Then came a fresh appointment fof early February, to go to the SAL. I made my arrangements for lifts and aftercare. A few days before the date i again got a text reminder from day surgery. Again i phoned both departments, which are some distance from each other in the hospital. I tried to make sure that i wasn't expected in both places, and was assured there would be a bed for me. My appointment was at 12.30 and i duly arrived, nil by mouth of course. I was called to the cubicle in good time and my friend left. Various people came in to ask about allergies etc. Four hours later the surgeon arrived, drew a circle on my body to mark the spot, and shortly afterwards, at about 5, i was wheeled to theatre and given my anaesthetic. I woke in the recovery room at 6. I was allowed water and then some tea, and was told i could go home soon. But I'm staying the night, i said. There's no one coming to collect me. Surgeon says you can go. Not possible, i said. I was woozy, faint with hunger and freezing cold. I remained on the trolley for almost 3 hours during which the room emptied of patients and staff. I watched as the board was wiped. The last shift ended at 9. Trolleys were cleaned. Just before 9 someone arrived to tow me what seemed like miles down the sub zero passages to a ward. It took me a while, once arrived, to change into my pyjamas, find my washbag etc, beg for a sandwich, and i was just settling down when another porter arrived with a trolley, announcing that my bed was needed and i was going to day surgery. I had to repack my stuff and get on another trolley for another long, freezing journey. With a canula on my left hand and the wound near my right hip, i had to sleep on my back. I woke at 6 to the sound of other patients complaining loudly about my snoring. The nursing staff did nothing to discourage this, which i thought unfair after what I'd been through. How my friend managed to find me i don't know. When she asked whether i was free to go, she was told yes, absolutely. I was supposed to be a day patient. I could have had my procedure in November!