Day surgery

I always smile in my local A&E - that I know far better than I might wish! - that when they come round and do the obs on everyone, they jot the results down on a paper tissue!!

It is a big contrast to the careful reiterating of questions to avoid errors ....

AuntieE

You would think that in this day and age, the first person you saw could record all this on the computor, if indeed the doctor who referred you hasn't already done so, and all the rest could READ the information.

After six years of studying medicine at university, all doctors can surely read - I mean they would not get into university if the could not.

Any relevant questions, and they would be few, that was not already in your file, the lab. technician taking your blood pressure or whoever could ask you. Far quicker and easier, you would think.

You would think so!
Many a qualified doctor cannot read and write English. I spent quite a time back and forth to A&E and had to speak to at least 3 who could barely even speak it.

I had a varicose vein operation cancelled because the surgeon was running late and wanted to finish on time as he was going on holiday. I didn't mind because I didn't want to be operated on by a surgeon who was rushing to get away.

My husband had a parathyroid removed about 25 years ago. He was in for a week as by the time the problem had been diagnosed he was quite seriously ill.

I hope all went well Sadgrandma

I recently spent 8 days in hospital in a private room (NHS) not leaving it and every doctor, specialist, nurse or assistant asked for my name and date of birth EVERY TIME before continuing with the reason for their visit. I know it’s policy to confirm identity when administering medication or treatment, but how irritating is becomes. I suggested we should be identified by a bar code on our forehead and then all would be required would be a quick scan!!

I received a phone call today offering another appointment but at a different hospital which is a long way away so I said no. Therefore I need to wait until they can give me a date at my local hospital. To be honest I’m not in a hurry as would rather go to the local hospital.

You should have asked for all the forms to take with you and save a lot of paper and time when you are next summond. Hope you are taken quickly.

Back in 2012, DH and I were sitting waiting for him to be admitted for back surgery. A very young doctor was sent out to say that,as the surgeons wife was very ill the op was cancelled DH was not happy! However as it was cancelled on the day, they were obliged to offer him a date within the next three weeks, which they did, and the op was successful. I don't know if this is still the case.

You would think that in this day and age, the first person you saw could record all this on the computor, if indeed the doctor who referred you hasn't already done so, and all the rest could READ the information.

After six years of studying medicine at university, all doctors can surely read - I mean they would not get into university if the could not.

Any relevant questions, and they would be few, that was not already in your file, the lab. technician taking your blood pressure or whoever could ask you. Far quicker and easier, you would think.

I remember going through all these questions. Then a nurse sat in front of me and said: right knee. Marking my left knee with a marker! Luckily I was not fully anaesthetised or they would have operated on the wrong knee.

Grandmotherto8

I for one, am glad that they are so conscientious in their pre op checks.

I agree.

If only the after care was as good. In my experience the lack of it on being discharged has been appalling.

I sympathise, I arrived at 6am and got home at 8pm, I was last on the list for an injection under a GA. The only consolation is that the jab has worked a treat!

I disagree they need to check everything is up to date , I would rather answer their questions each time than have mistakes made in my treatment

I agree with you I would rather answer their questions several times and be safe

covering their backs as of course they should.

I for one, am glad that they are so conscientious in their pre op checks.

crazyH, no my op was cancelled, as they had a very complex case that severely overran so they cancelled me at the last minute. It couldn’t be helped as it was an emergency but felt quite depressed after sitting there from 11.15 to 5.15. Ah well back to the drawing board.
Thank you all for your kind words.

Oh dear - sorry about that. I suppose you were not allowed to have a good meal tonight. That’s tough. Have a nice sleep and hopefully, this time tomorrow, it will all be done and dusted . Good luck

I feel your frustration. I am going through the same experience. I really do understand that they have to be conscientious. However, I believe that there should be joined up thinking from the G
P. All notes and history should be able to be available to any hospital department. Then the only Check should be identification , and confirming the op, or procedure you have presented for.

Thank you Grandmadinosaur. They said the consultant would ring me this evening or tomorrow, I guess tomorrow now. So hopefully I might get some sort of priority. Can hope.

So sorry your op got cancelled. I hope you don’t have to wait too long for a new date.

I’m back home but they cancelled my op.
Feeling a bit depressed as now have to go through the build up again. However, as I said it couldn’t be helped as they had a very complex case that was still going on when I left at 5.15. Now have to wait for another appointment.

I think I'd rather wait/be inconvenienced than have (potentially) the wrong thing done!

Hope you are in recovery by now!
🤞

Sadgrandma I’m so sorry you are still waiting and don’t know what’s happening. It’s so frustrating, stressful and tiring waiting around. You have my sympathies💐

Believe it on not I’m still waiting. They cancelled the chap in front of me and sent him home. They have had a very complex case so have badly overrun.s can’t be helped. They have told me to get changed but there is no guarantee that I will be seen today. I have asked the nurse to check at 4.30 and if they still can’t tell me I’ll go home - starving!