To ask anyone in the NHS how day surgery lists are determined?

[ScuderiaSedici]

As above

I was last on the list (burns surgery). Baby was first, then a teen, then me middle aged). Been fasting all day. Went down for surgery 4.30pm. Rang to be picked up about 8.

it was a long day for me waiting but that poor baby x

Multiple factors, it's the surgeon that makes the list kids and diabetic usually get priority. Anyone that is being kept overnight may go later. Also depending on the unit that sterilises the equipment.

DD had gone in for the day age 16 she was booked into the day unit. She was put in a side room not a bay so away from people eating. Because she of her SEN and having the mind of someone much younger she went down first.

My ds went in as a day patient also age 16. I asked for him to go in the day unit as well after good experience with dd. But was put on children's ward though. Also has SEN andthe mind of a much younger child. they never took that into account. He was 1 of oldest So next to last to go down. They also served toast to a child in bed opposite which I did say I didn't want him seeing people eating.

You sound a bit less distressed now OP, I'm pleased. Please do read all of Greybeardy's posts, she's an anaesthetist and is giving you great advice Just to be clear, I don't know her, just worked in theatres for years myself (ODP) so always notice anaesthetists on here.

Good luck with everything, please do let the staff know how you are feeling - they won't laugh. Take care.

I think it depends on what the surgery is for. I had a mastectomy in December as a day case and it was clear that the order of priority was down to the surgeon as he advised I was first on the list, early morning, because I have underlying health problems and he wanted to give me the majority of the day to recover so that I didn’t have to be kept overnight.

I still feel ready to throw up! But I have got into a tv show tonight, so that’s helpful

Why are you fasting for 24hours? Is that what you've been specifically asked?

You will be okay. Many Muslims fast way longer than 2pm and are fine.
It is a one off and it will be over before you know. Best wishes!

Perfect what are you watching?

Nope. I’ve been on day wards for surgery and the last patient has gone down to theatre much later in the afternoon than 2pm - more like 5 or 6pm depending on the length of the list. If you leave, you’re likely to go to the bottom of the list again. And why would you have been fasting for 24 hours by 2pm the next day given that the standard advice is nil by mouth from midnight the night before, or in many cases 6am that morning ?

I’m watching my destination x. Not sure I totally understand it but it’s fun!

Why is a tooth removal more awkward than other operations? Yes, an impacted wisdom tooth is a bit awkward, but it's usually quite a short operation. When I had mine I had already not been able to eat properly for MONTHS so having to be nil by mouth longer than others would have enraged me.
I'd really like an explanation for this.

Il have a look im always looking for new things to watch

So the last time you eat will be 2pm the day before surgery ? That’s really up to you though - not something you’ve been specifically asked to do.

wisdom teeth can be absolute pigs to get out! Definitely not always a quick and easy operation.

Some of it does seem a little backwards to me. I’m a simple surgery, healthy, no indications that there will be an issue. Surely you get me out asap, so that a bed is free for anyone else who needs it

So has everyone else who has arrived for surgery. If it’s NHS you are no more entitled than anyone else. And to be fair you sound difficult and quite entitled. If you leave against medical advice before your surgery you’ll likely go to the bottom of the list again. And just because your leaflet says that you’ll be in the morning (which I find strange) doesn’t necessarily guarantee it. If you’ve managed to secure a date for your surgery, leaving before it’s completed because you’re not happy with the order of surgery is massively unfair to those who are still waiting and would happily have taken your slot.

Grow up.

Where have you been when the stress that the NHS is under had been constantly in the news?

I can't think of anything more inconsiderate and childish than walking out if a hospital when you're booked for surgery, because 'it's not fair' that you can't eat.

Are you the same OP with the anxious, inconsiderate dad? Seems like you're as bad as each other, if so.

Oh I know. That's how I ended up with a GA for mine. But it was still only 40 minutes and outpatient. It really can't be the most awkward in the day, can it?
And really requiring the person to be fasting for so much longer if the operation is late afternoon?

Destination X looks really interesting, I'll give it a go.

If you struggle to sleep overnight, do try the 'Nothing Much Happens' podcasts. They'll occupy your brain enough to stop any overthinking, but not enough to keep you awake. Plus Kathryn Nikolai's voice is like a gentle hug.

It might get cancelled if urgent cases come in.

asking how long you may wait is like asking how long a piece of string is. It depends on the hospital, do they have separate operating rooms for day cases vs emergencies, do they have separate operating rooms for children and adults etc etc.

stop being an entitled twat and wait like everyone else.

It’s a bit of a head spin but it’s good! I’m hoping I sleep okay, because I’m knackered from work

Who is cancelling ? If they’ve called you in for surgery it’s because they have arranged it. Have you any idea how much planning it takes ? Under normal circumstances the only way it will be cancelled is if you decide to leave, which it sounds as though you’re planning to do the second you’re waiting longer than some arbitrary time you’ve already decided. Grow up.

Also put it this way, if any of the prior cases had to be cancelled, you might get done earlier as you are simple and easy, but this would only be possible if you were physically in the building on a bed.

Well done OP Keep watching - it will be a great distraction and then tomorrow you can spend your time piecing it together.

If you have been told there is a morning list and an afternoon list my expectation is that you will only have to wait until the afternoon if there is a problem in the morning that they can't control. If this does happen then yes it will be frustrating but it won't be deliberate.

Lots of deep breaths and take a book you've already read and love. Familiarity can really help.

Wishing you all the best.