FOR the last ten months, the Trust has been piloting a scheme to help bowel and bladder surgery patients to get better sooner after major surgery.

Known as 'Enhanced Recovery', the new programme is based on ten years of international evidence that has shown improvements in patient experience, clinical outcomes, speed of recovery and staff satisfaction.

What is enhanced recovery?

The initiative is designed to challenge traditional models of patient care. By inviting patients to work in a partnership with their clinical team, throughout their care, and by applying best medical practice, we aim to provide an improved overall recovery.

How is it different?

• Comprehensive information and counselling enables patients to participate in their own recovery

• Simple, early pre-operative interventions to ensure that the patient is 'the best they can be' prior to surgery

• Surgery and anaesthesia are adapted to minimise the stress of surgery

• A clear post-operative care pathway focuses on early nutrition, hydration, mobility and effective pain relief

• Removing drips and catheters sooner enables patients to be more independent and reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infection

• Early discharge planning enables well patients to return home sooner

• Telephone follow-up ensures patients continue to be supported after discharge

Early feedback indicates that patients are supportive of the programme. Of the 68% of patients who have so far responded to our Patient Satisfaction Survey (May-Dec 2011):

• 95% reported that they had the importance of nutrition and mobilisation explained to them before admission

• 95% felt their nausea was well managed

• 95% felt that they took an active role in their own recovery

• 100% said they felt well supported through recovery

• 100% felt their pain was well managed throughout hospital stay

• 100% knew who to contact post discharge Find out more here or come to the Trust Open Day on Wednesday May 6.