King's day surgery

[Dudley]

Dear Forum people,

I am going to Kings next week to have my gall bladder removed.

It is a Day Surgery thing.

I would really appreciate any experiences from people who have had day surgery.

I delivered my second baby in Kings and all was fine but this is a bit different.

Many thanks in advance,

[simonethebeaver]

Hi

I had a day op a few weeks ago. It was all very straightforward. I was on the afternoon list so turned up at the time given, accompanied by a pile of reading matter. I ended up as the last on the list, so had quite a wait, during which the anaesthetist turned up to go through everything with me, and I had consent forms to sign. You get a cubicle with chair and bed to wait in, just like a normal hospital ward. The op itself was very quick. They bring you into recovery briefly, and then back to the ward to come to properly. You then get a sandwich, which was objectively revolting, but fantastic after so long without food, and they release you into the wild once they know someone has come to get you. The staff were all really friendly and helpful.

[Convex]

Just to second that. Amazingly efficient dept. I was on the morning surgery and despite going last I was out by 1130 and would have been sooner if I hadn't accidentally taken the car keys with me meaning my pick up had to sent 30mins looking for the spares.

[Dudley]

Thank you both for this. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

They just called to say not to come in until 10am (and not 7am as before).

New system! Was quite looking forward to brining in piles of magazines to read in peace (without my 2 small children)!

Just as long as I get 'done' I will be happy.

Thanks again,

[upper-norwood]

Hi ,l had my gall bladder out in October,l was a day patient too,l was in for 8:00 they took me down at 9:45 and back up stairs by 12:00 l was home by 6:00,remember you can't lift anything for 3 months,all the best

[Mrs TP]

I'm having day surgery via Kings on Monday but they are shipping me out to a private hosp in W1. All v. bizarre but apparently it is cheaper for them to pay for me to have op privately than to pay a fine to NICE / Gov't if they fail to meet their waiting list deadlines. It all seems v. wrong and I'm not really comfortable about the whole situation. Anyone else experienced this?

[GinaG3]

Mrs TP I haven't experienced that but it does make sense. I think the maximum wait where subsequent treatment is via surgery is 31 days in England. If they cannot provide you with a date by then they need to offer you a alternative to avoid fines under legislation bought in several years ago. I think you have the right to refuse and wait for a space with Kings? Not 100% though! You would need to speak to them, they cannot proceed with something if your unhappy with it. Why are you unhappy with this arrangement? Just geared up for one place, then they change and it puts you off mindset? I feel like that often with hospital..

Im awaiting more surgery but I'm no longer under the care of King's I'm at Tommy's but I'm having a lot of hassle failing my medicals as they are constantly telling me they cannot go ahead with anything unless I'm happy to do so. My consultant, surgeon and anaesthetist are also fully aware of my anxieties and are fully supporting of everything. I'd definitely talk to them with your concerns.

[Mrs TP]

GinaG3 It's not the procedure or care that is worrying me but the state of affairs that the NHS is paying for me to go private and that that is the best option for them - just doesn't seem right that it is the most economically viable option.

[Convex]

I wish it was 31 days... Was several months. I would have gone private in a flash.

[upper-norwood]

Kings sent me to a private hospital,kings say they do that to take some patients off the waiting list,which l was so glad they did or l'll be waiting 3 months at kings,which having attacks of pain nearly every day that lasted up to 5 hours each time.the private hospital (the weymouth) was lovely .the nurses were lovely and stayed with me till l went in