"Impressed by day surgery system"

I was admitted to day surgery for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy first thing on a Tuesday morning in October and after an overnight stay, was discharged the following morning. From beginning to end I was very impressed by how slick the whole process was.

My initial consultation with Mr Glen, my surgeon, 3 months earlier, was a two way discussion, where I felt able to ask questions and seek clarification on aspects of the procedure, I was unsure of.

My subsequent assessment consultation with one of the nursing staff, a month later, was very worthwhile and she outlined the process that would follow from that point until my operation date. Everything she told me happened exactly as she said it would and when she said it would. e.g. I would receive a call later that afternoon to let me know whether or not I would be a suitable candidate for day surgery. True enough, I was called within the hour. I would be sent for 2 weeks prior to my op date for blood tests, the results of which I would be made aware of almost immediately. Again this happened just as I had been told.

I also received a call from the staff member who arranges the operation dates asking me to identify dates that would be unsuitable for me. I was delighted at having a degree of control over how I could manage to fit my operation in with my very demanding full time job. I was happier still to get a call a couple of weeks later to say that there had been a cancellation and with a month's notice I was admitted for my op. This was very useful as I was given sufficient time to organise things at work and for my family.

The assessment nurse also put me in touch with a stop smoking support group in my area, which I enrolled in and by the time my operation date arrived I had been a non smoker for 9 weeks. Without that gentle nudge of encouragement from her I probably wouldn't have achieved that. Even now, I am pleased to say that I am still a non smoker. This was obviously a huge advantage when having a general anaesthetic.

On the day of my surgery I met with Mr Glen again, as well as with my anaesthetist prior to my op and they explained the entire process and answered all my questions. The admissions nurse who gathered all my details and took the necessary preparatory tests was thorough, friendly and informative.

After my op I was returned to my own room with my own facilities, where I was visited again by Mr Glen and my anaesthetist, checking on my recovery and again answering any questions I had.

Kate, my nurse, looked after me through the night, carrying out tasks I didn't expect, e.g. making me a cup of coffee, outwith the normal refreshment times, and taking some time just to sit and chat for a few minutes when I was feeling a little uncomfortable.

In the morning, there was no time wasted waiting on my medication being sent up from the pharmacy. My 'home' pack and GP letter was ready when I awoke and I was able to leave from 9am.

Every member of staff I encountered throughout my experience was a credit to the NHS and clearly very committed and knowledgeable. Well done and thank you to everyone in the day surgery unit at the New Victoria!