"Hernia surgery in the Day Surgery Unit"

Admitted to the Day Surgery Unit for an inguinal hernia operation caused while coughing a year earlier. One of the 62 beds was reserved and Nurse Heather appointed to look after me. Personal, medical and nil-by-mouth details were checked by the nurse, anaesthetists and surgeon, a young man with a huge presence. He carried out a diagnostic check and found another rupture at the belly button. The location of the inguinal hernia was marked. The procedure was described in detail by each of them in the Prep Room including the use of local anaesthetic during the operation. The operation took about 40 minutes. I was welcomed back by nurse Heather in the ward at a new location near the nurses' desk.

When in recovery the Surgeon confirmed what he had done, the use of synthetic mesh for the inguinal and two sutures for the navel hernias.

Release was delayed due to problems with peeing. I was scanned twice with a couple of nurses watching to see how the equipment worked - 'on-the job-training'. They rotated to machine so that I could see the image; fantastic technology!

There were concerns about my prostate. Inability to pass water by 9.00pm would have involved fitting a catheter and overnight stay. Having sought inspiration the problem was solved at 8.00pm by a conditioned reflex:-

'warm bum + cold toilet seat = pee time!': 200ml.

I was then allowed home.

The series of events was punctual, respectful and exceptionally caring. Information provided was complete, thorough and easily understood including success rates and infection risks of the operation.

Pain management was excellent including post-op self-ministrations. Plasters were changed on day 2 after the op. Both wounds were clean and dry: the inguinal cut is barely visible. Plasters were removed on day 5.

Nursing care by Heather and her colleagues including the later shift was outstanding - special. When attempting to pass water they even turned on the loo taps to full throttle and chorused 'Think of Niagara Falls' as I entered the chamber; they cared deeply.

My experience in the Day Surgery Unit at the New Victoria Hospital has reaffirmed that the 'duty of care' in the NHS front line, here in the south side of Glasgow, is thriving and is being exceeded through genuine concern for patient wellbeing.

I am so thankful that this is the case - the reality.

Thankyou.