Private nursing care in home post-surgery - is it possible?

[wirrinboffin]

I am planning private surgery in either December this year or February of next year. The consultant has a slot available on the 7th of December, which appeals greatly. However, my husband will be away on business within 2 days of my discharge.

I was wondering if it is possible to have private nursing care temporarily (a week or so) in my home. Have tried googling, but all I can find is reference to nursing homes, and in-home nursing for the elderly.

So does anyone know if this service exists? And how to find them? I am in a central scotland.

Yes it is. You need to look for a home care agency that also has RGNs. Good luck

Brilliant - thank you - will have a look!

Depends what you need a nurse to do ..normally post surgery people would attend the surgery to be seen by practice nurse, or if housebound then the community nurses would visit as referred by the hospital.
If you want private nursing you could approach a nursing agency and discuss your needs.
you could try this one

Yes - Healthcare at Home are one company that does this

You could try looking for 'Nursing Agency'. These are agencies for qualified nurses and healthcare assistants. Will be expensive though. If you are having your surgery in a private hospital, could you arrange to stay as an in-patient for a few extra days?

I am planning on having a gastric sleeve at the Spires in Edinburgh - just had a consultation with the weight loss specialist nurse, and appointment with the consultant this week.

Should hopefully be armed with more info this week - what the nurse said to me is I should have someone around the house with me for around a week 1 so I can find out what sort of care will be required.

Thanks ggirl!

Why would you need a nurse after discharge? If you have drains or dressings then the community nurses will come and do them. The hospital won't discharge you until you are fit.

If it's just to fetch and carry for you, a nurse is an expensive way of getting support.

Fair point Crumbs1! I guess I am just trying to establish what I need a my first thought was some sort of nursing care, but as you say that’s probably not the most appropriate type of care/ help to get!

Get a home help in if you can - maybe advertise locally?

Although I coped fine gong home alone the day after a hysterectomy. I organised a cleaner beforehand who came in once a week to change my bed etc and I set up an Ocado account for shopping. The delivery drivers brought it right into the kitchen for me.

I've still got the cleaner and Ocado

OP- will you be alone at home?

Fab idea bore! That’s probably more what I am looking for. Am just in a slight tail spin with the offer of the December date, trying to figure out if it’s feasible.

ggirl my DH will be home for two days post-discharge, then away for three days.
I have a four yo DS too who will be at home (but he is out the house from 8-6 everyday)

Ah you prob won't need a nurse , just some help around the home if you're too ill to move..which I doubt you will be ..isn't it keyhole surgery?

Speak with your consultant/weight loss specialist nurse. A hospital offering surgery private or nhs should provide after care options for your medical needs. If you think you may need extra help around the house (not specific nursing care) while your husband is away I agree with pp paying for private nurses would be a very expensive way to do that.

Check the arrangements locally too in my experience in England (I don’t know if Scotland is the same) the traditional district nurse service is not available for private patients as it is nhs funded. So be very clear on a) what they expect you to be able to do and when b) what they can offer you in terms of after care and support. Then you can make an informed choice on if this is the right time and maybe if it is the right private hospital. Then you can decide what help to get if you feel everything is right.

Yes it is keyhole surgery.

RavenclawRealist when I was working on the district nursing team we saw patients who had had private surgical procedures , they got referred to the practice nurse or to district nursing team depending on mobility

Thanks Raven. I think I have to have a clear view of what this few weeks after surgery will look like to decide if it is the right time.

DH is away for a portion each week, and for some longer periods at times, but there may be a better time when he can take time off and just be here.

ggirl that’s good to know I had a family member turned down for district nurse’s after a private procedure but I guess it depends on the local health authority, type of surgery and various other factors? Or it may have just been a mistake.