PATIENTS in Forth Valley undergoing bowel surgery are now being invited to take part in a programme that speeds up recovery and cuts time in hospital from several weeks to days.

NHS Forth Valley says results so far have been impressive with it consistently leading the way in the adoption of the National Enhanced Recovery Initiative. 

As well as undergoing a detailed pre-operative assessment which looks at a patient’s current health and what they can do to improve it prior to surgery, it includes a special preparation ‘boot camp’ which gives them the chance to meet with other patients and discuss with staff what will happen before, during and after their operation. 

The results are particularly encouraging for those undergoing keyhole surgery for conditions such as bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel conditions, such as Crohn’s and Colitis, and diverticular disease. 

So far more than 100 patients in the Forth Valley area have benefited from the initiative.

Linnet McGeever, NHS Forth Valley’s lead nurse for colorectal cancer and project manager for the recovery initiative, has signalled her backing for the strategy.

She said: “Patients often find it difficult to take in information after major surgery so we now bring them in before their operation when they are more receptive and also find it reassuring to have the opportunity to ask questions and practice using different products in advance.”

Uniquely in NHS Forth Valley, patients taking part in the programme are also given the direct number for the on-call surgeon who they can contact if they have any concerns or problems.