When many other services are thinking about slowing down over Christmas and New Year, surgeons at St Mary’s Hospital are keeping the momentum up to ensure that patients get their treatment as quickly as possible.
With the exception of the bank holidays, planned day surgery and in-patient surgery continues throughout the festive period.
The Trust recognises that some patients will have reservations about surgery during the festive season but it is important that the Trust maintains the flow of patients through St Mary’s Hospital over the festive period. If the hospital cannot operate on patients during this period they will not be able to catch up in January.
Patients are being encouraged to book in for operations during the festive period to take advantage of availability as there is capacity.
The Trust also recognises the important role that family, friends and neighbours play in helping those who have had surgery to make a full recovery. The festive season is an opportunity for families and friends to come together to support each other. Whilst some surgery takes longer than others to recover from, many procedures these days are carried out as day surgery and recovery is faster and better than it used to be.
Shaun Stacey, Chief Operating Officer at Isle of Wight NHS Trust said:
“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to restart surgery at St. Mary’s. With beds reopened at St. Mary’s and the 30 bed step down facility at Solent Grange open we’re now catching up with surgery which had to be postponed.
“The Trust has made a commitment to meet the NHS Constitution target of every patient receiving their surgery within 18 weeks of referral, so it’s important that we maintain the flow of patients coming into hospital. We’re grateful to every patient who agrees to have their operation over the Christmas and New Year period.”
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Consultant surgeon and Clinical Director for Surgery, Women’s and Children’s Health at Isle of Wight NHS Trust Mr Steve Parker, says:
“Following the difficulties we experienced over the summer it’s good that we’re reducing the waiting list for surgery. Patients should not have to wait any longer than necessary for their treatment. We’re continuing to operate over the festive period and we need patients to operate on!”
Patients who have been pre-assessed as suitable and fit for their operation, and who would like to have their operation in the next three weeks, are invited to call the Trust’s Pre Admission Assessment Unit (PAAU) on 01983 552152.
