A six month trial of extended hours at the Day Patient Unit at the PEH will continue, to help reduce the surgical waiting list.

The Health Committee says day surgery is a 'key tool' that will help it reduce both historical and Covid waiting lists.

It also fulfills patients' preferences for day care over an inpatient stay, especially since the pandemic, which has seen a reluctance to be admitted to hospital.

The local patient experience is backed up by the British Association of Day Surgery, which also says it is a cost effective and efficient method.

The Day Patient Unit was open until 11pm during the trial, but Claire Rigler, Lead Nurse for Surgery, says that's being slightly adjusted:

"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 3 days a week going forward. On these 3 days, following an analysis of the discharge times since January, we will now be open between 7 am and 10 pm."

Ciara Smith, the Day Patient Unit Manager, says the trial has resulted in an increase in operations:

"Thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of the staff in the Unit and our Medical Specialist Group colleagues, this pilot has been extremely successful and seen an increase in several surgical areas."

"We have also been able to facilitate those patients who come directly via the Emergency Department (ED) and require urgent day surgery enabling ED to see other patients in a timely manner and reduce the need for admission."