PATIENT ACCEPTANCE OF DAY SURGERY

There were 463 patients treated in the initial 12-month period of a ge neral surgical day service. A comprehensive audit was instituted in or der to monitor patient acceptability and outcome of the service. There was a high level of patient satisfaction with the service, pain contr ol, anaesthesia, patient information, medical and nursing care and war d privacy. A reduction in the wound complication rate was achieved whe n operations were performed by senior registrars. A reduction in the w ound complication rate and provision of dedicated facilities were resp onsible for the improved successful discharge and readmission rates. T he provision of a safe and acceptable day surgery service has been fac ilitated by audit.