Alice Jones
Introduction:
Surgical Hubs, designed to deliver high-volume elective day-case procedures, remain a national priority following GIRFT recommendations. In highthroughput models, ensuring safety and minimising readmissions is essential. In developing Wales' first dedicated Surgical Hub, we introduced a follow-up pathway using structured post-operative phone calls to assess complications and patient experience - aiming to enhance safety, streamline care, and reduce healthcare use.
Methods:
Over 10 weeks, 427 day surgery patients across 11 specialties were contacted on post-operative day 1; 318 patients (74.5%) were successfully reached. Two surgical doctors conducted a 15-question structured call. Subsequently, complications and readmissions were prospectively audited via patient-initiated calls to the hub and review of electronic records, identifying GP and A&E presentations, over the 30-day post-operative period.
Results:
In the first 2 weeks (n=111), 26 patients (23.4%) required further input within 30 days. Twelve contacted GPs, and 11 self-presented to A&E, with 8 referred on. No patients required readmission beyond 24 hours. Eight wound concerns were resolved during their initial call. Nineteen patients re-contacted the unit; 15 were reassured without escalation. Clinicians identified and triaged two serious complications (post-tonsillectomy bleed and delayed facial nerve palsy), ensuring timely care. All but one complication were Clavien-Dindo grade I–II; one required minor surgical intervention (grade IIIa). With ongoing data collection, the initiative prevented 27 additional GP appointments in 2 weeks alone, saving ~£1,323, with projected annual savings exceeding £35,000.
Conclusions:
Clinician-led structured follow-up improves day surgery safety, enables early complication detection, and alleviates pressure on broader healthcare services.
Authors
Alice Jones
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Georgia Geary
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Ryan Trickett
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, United Kingdom