Trial of longer hours at Day Patient Unit made permanent

A trial has been under way since January, where three days a week the opening hours of the DPU were extended to 11pm.

This has proved effective in reducing waiting lists, reducing the secondary impacts of Covid, and meeting patient preferences.

‘We are delighted with the findings of this initial pilot and are pleased that we are able to continue to increase the opening hours of the unit three days a week going forward,’ said Claire Rigler, lead nurse for surgery.

Following an analysis of patient discharge times, the DPU will be now be open between 7am and 10pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.

As of April, 2,300 islanders were waiting for operations for ‘a variety of interventions’ at the PEH, mainly in orthopaedic and gastroenterology areas, Health & Social Care president Al Brouard said during the States meeting in May.

Delays were primarily attributed to Covid backlogs and bed-blocking at the hospital.

At the time, Deputy Brouard was unable to provide details of the average waiting time for surgical patients.

The hospital said the pilot had proven to increase patient satisfaction, be more cost-effective, and reduce the demand on inpatient beds on other wards.

The increase in day patient appointments has also reduced the number of surgeries that are postponed on the day, which was generally due to lack of bed space.

‘We have also been able to facilitate those patients who come directly via the Emergency Department and require urgent day surgery, enabling ED to see other patients in a timely manner and reduce the need for admission,’ said DPU manager Ciara Smith.

Ms Rigler reassured surgical patients who have been offered a DPU appointment. Where appropriate, day surgery allows for quicker recovery, less disruption to home life, and cuts the risk of hospital-acquired infections.