"My surgery was cancelled"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Neurosurgery (Ward 64 – 66)

(as the patient),

I was given an admission date for late April 2025 in the early morning. Fasted from midnight. I was in ward on time - my carer wasnt allowed to stay despite my anxiety. I was seen after two hours and advised that my surgery may be cancelled due to other surgery (fair enough) - I then got seen by anaesthetist in the early afternoon, to be advised that doctor would 'try' to squeeze me in.

I waited further to be told later in the afternoon that my surgery was cancelled. I had no food, no pain relief, and was the only person remaining in the ward. I was left unsure when I would get my surgery as the doctor only operates on certain days, and there are 2 public holidays in May.

I feel very let down, and hopeless, as my symptoms are impacting on my physical and mental health. I was told this surgery was urgent. I had prepared by reducing my smoking, I prepped for surgery and my daughter took a week off work.

All in all let down. 

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Responses

Response from Amy O'Sullivan, Clinical Services Manager, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Neurology, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries, Neurophysiology, CTCBI, Neuro & OMFS Outpatients, Neuro Rehabilitation & WestMARC, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde yesterday
Amy O'Sullivan
Clinical Services Manager, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Neurology, Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries, Neurophysiology, CTCBI, Neuro & OMFS Outpatients, Neuro Rehabilitation & WestMARC,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 29/04/2025 at 12:39
Published on Care Opinion at 12:39


Dear Chrisb1961

I am sorry that this was your experience. While we try not to cancel surgeries on the day there are times when unfortunately despite everyone's best efforts it is not possible to carry out all planned surgeries due to the level of emergencies we receive.

If you could contact me on amy.osullivan@nhs.scot with your name and date of birth, I will certainly investigate the circumstance of your cancellation.

Many Thanks

Amy

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