"A bit more care and concern"

I was admitted to have knee surgery - it was discussed that although it would be done under a same day procedure - there would be a bed available if needed and for my discharge. Right up until just before I went in to the operating theatre, I and so was my consultant thinking I would be sent to the surgical ward after the op for recovery, be seen by him and then discharged. The morning I was admitted I was asked if I felt ok going to the Day Procedure ward afterwards rather than the original ward - I agreed to this as thought this would be ok and acceptable to my consultant.

I had my op and when I came to I was still on the trolley. I had been on in the anaesthetics room prior to my op but in a little side ward in the Day Procedure unit. After a short time a nurse came in asked if I wanted anything to eat or drink - I had a cup of tea and half a slice of toast - shortly after I was told I could go home and that they would ring my family to collect me - I asked if I needed to see my consultant and was told there was nothing on my notes but if I felt I needed to see him they would ring for me. I was surprised he wasn't seeing me but still being woozy from the anaesthetic I said ok.

After several attempts they managed to reach my daughter and she was told to come in and get me - I got myself dressed and was then wheeled into a 4 bedded ward and sat there waiting for my daughter - she duly came and I was wheeled out to her car and she bought me home. Later on that afternoon my consultant phoned me at home and said he was surprised I was not up on the ward waiting for him to see me and be discharged - I explained what had happened and he asked if I was ok and suggested that to call the numbers given if I had any problems etc -

Fortunately, I didn't but I was made to feel like a piece of meat on the production line - the staff that were responsible for me after the op were not really interested in me and all they wanted to do was get me out the door asap - I went into to theatre by 9. 45 -10 am and was home again by 2pm latest - all a bit quick and really impersonal - I know that there are targets to meet etc but I do think that a bit less haste and a bit more care and concern should be taken - I was discharged into the care of a 20 year old as my husband was not around until later on in the day - as we both had presumed I wouldn't be home until about tea time!