Women get health help before surgery

Staff at the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust launched the Enhanced Recovery Programme (ERP) for patients who have undergone surgery for gynaecological problems just over a year ago.

Patients are seen by a gynaecology ERP nurse, recovery nurse and physiotherapist before their operation. They are given exercises to practise and information about the programme.

Consultant anaesthetist Paul Knight, the trust’s clinical lead for ERP, said it had been “highly praised” by many patients.

“The programme is a new way of improving the experience and well-being of patients who need planned surgery,” he said. “It lets people choose what is best for them throughout the course of their treatment, with help from their GP and the wider healthcare team.”

Jean Clay, 69, of Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, would have faced a hospital stay of five days after she underwent a hysterectomy but following help from the programme she went home after two days.

She said she was amazed how well she felt following surgery.

She added: “The whole team has been wonderful. I was given lots of information before my operation and knew what to expect.”

Deborah Lowe, 47, of Todmorden, who also had a hysterectomy, said: “The whole experience was very positive and it was great that I could phase back into work just four weeks after surgery. The programme puts patients more in control of their recovery and the team has been marvellous.”

Consultant gynaecologist Martin deBono said: “Enhanced recovery is an evidence-based programme which has helped improve the quality of care for our patients. The aim is that by making a series of small changes, we will make a real difference to the care and recovery of our patients.”