According to nhs targets I should have my bowel cancer removed today ie 8 weeks after my referral but instead my date is 28th April. They say I'm probably stage 1 but they won't know for sure until after the op, should I accept this timing or complain?
Welcome to the forum . I think part of the problem during a covid wave was securing firstly a safe theatre slot and secondly a potential HIgh Dependence bed . Although some theatre slots were possibly available the HD beds were filled with covid patients so a priority system was established. First was tumours that ruptured, or blocked then it was operable tumours . The first group have mostly still had surgery but a bit of catch up now going on with the second group .
Thankfully things are moving in a much better direction now and that is such a relief.
You could maybe say you would be willing to go in earlier if a cancellation occurs . Not sure how the whole covid test aspect affects that . Glad you have a date though . The other aspect of theatre cover was the nurses from theatres were also moved to covid wards/ iCU suits etc . It’s just been a nightmare and each wave has brought the same issues . One thing I would say they work really quickly as soon as space became available to address the bowel cancer patients surgery .
All the best with your upcoming surgery . Such a stress with a pandemic on top of a diagnosis but light at the end of the tunnel .
