Rate of cancelled ops higher than planned
CANCELLED operation rates remain higher than planned at Derriford Hospital despite years of focus on the problem.
The latest figures show 69 procedures were cancelled on the day of surgery in July.
A hospital report states the main reasons were theatre lists overrunning, emergencies taking priority and poor availability of general beds.
It adds that work is ongoing to improve intensive care availability, pre-operative work and planning.
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Derriford managers have been striving to bring down cancelled operation rates to the national standard of 0.8 per cent for more than five years. The July rate was 1.32 per cent.
A hospital spokeswoman said: "We strive to offer the best possible care for all our patients and only consider postponing operations when there is no other suitable clinical alternative."
The hospital recorded among the country's highest number of cancelled operations in 2007/8 – 1,346 planned procedures on the day of surgery. This equated to 2.4 per cent.
The rate dropped to 1.9 per cent in 2009/10 and 1.6 per cent in 2010/11.
Monthly rates dipped to 0.88 in August last year but have since fluctuated.
Efforts to reduce rates come amid Derriford's £54million savings plan over two years – and being designated a major trauma centre.
Cost-saving schemes last year included hospital-wide efficiencies, cutting around 280 posts and closing 130 beds.
Comments
by Waltersmith
Sunday, September 09 2012, 11:23PM
“There is poor availability of general beds yet they've closed 130 beds. Excellent management”
by paulmh66
Sunday, September 09 2012, 5:01PM
“Hmm, so they plan to cancel certain operations? Could we have some figures on that, as it seems to be a matter of public interest?”
by fiest1406
Sunday, September 09 2012, 4:25PM
“Its clear then... the drive to save money, closure of beds and reducing staff brought about the Derriford Management team is responsible for the current cancellation rates...the question is with an ever growing population and Plymouths drive to reach a population of some 300,000 how will they cope?”
by deputydog
Sunday, September 09 2012, 1:53PM
“my husband had an op recently he was contacted at short notice to go into derriford but he was unwell at the time so had to decline three weeks later the same thing happened but this time he was able to attend we cannot fault the treatment we recieved everyone was lovely the op took place in the freedom day case unit and may i say it was spotlessly clean throughout and once again the doctors and nurses were brill my husband is in his ninties and is doing very well so thank you derriford”