The Trauma Assessment Unit (TAU) at the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust has ushered in a new era of patient care by offering same-day hand surgery under local anesthesia. This innovative approach has already benefited over 200 patients, significantly reducing waiting times and enabling a quicker return home.
In January 2023, the TAU team rolled out same-day hand surgery, providing patients with the convenience of undergoing operations that would traditionally be scheduled in main day surgery. These procedures, conducted under local anesthetic, are proving to be particularly effective in treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and skin lesions.
Recently, the TAU team marked a milestone as they celebrated the successful treatment of their 200th patient, exactly one year from the launch of same-day hand operations at TAU. Among those treated was Gemma Chambers, a 29-year-old cleaner from Bath, who underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in her right hand.
READ MORE: Equestrian Centre Faces Closure as Owners Apply for Housing Development
READ MORE: Somerset’s National Landscapes: New Name, Same Challenges
Expressing her gratitude, Gemma remarked, “Having carpal tunnel syndrome feels like having pins and needles all the time, with tingling shooting pains. At times it’s so painful I go to bed crying. It affects your everyday life, even gripping a hot drink is dangerous when it’s really flared up. To be offered such quick, efficient, and caring treatment is amazing. The whole team here is fantastic too. It was really quick and easy. I came in, got ready, and then the procedure took just a matter of minutes. In a bit I’ll be on my way home. This should make a real difference for me. Eventually I want to set up my own cleaning company to work for myself, and now I can focus on the future. Thank you to everyone in the department.”
Karen Driscoll, Deputy Divisional Director of Operations for Surgery, expressed her delight at the success of the initiative, stating, “We are delighted that in just one year we have been able to successfully carry out hand surgery on more than 200 people in TAU. This new way of working has reduced waiting times for patients and freed up space in our day surgery theatres for more complex cases. The feedback we have had from the people we care for has been so positive, which is fantastic. I’d like to thank colleagues from across the RUH who have worked so hard to make this happen.”