Wirral Patients Benefit from Same-Day Surgery Innovation 

Patients at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) are now benefiting from a new approach that lets them go home on the same day as their surgery.

The Surgical Enhanced Acute Level (SEAL) division, working closely with the Urology team, has introduced a day surgery programme for people having a Transurethral Resection of a Bladder Tumour (TURBT). This means that many patients can now recover at home with full follow-up support, while those who need extra care will stay overnight in hospital as usual.

Andrew Bradley-Gibbons, Charge Nurse for SEAL and Recovery, said: “Patient safety remains our top priority. By assessing each case individually, we ensure that those who truly need an overnight stay remain in hospital, while others can recover in the comfort of their own homes.”

Recovering at home allows patients to heal in a familiar and more comfortable environment. Full support is in place to make sure patients, and their families feel safe and confident during their recovery.

Since its launch less than a year ago, the initiative has allowed many patients to be safely discharged on the same day. One patient who has already benefited from the pathway is 90-year-old William Creed, originally from West Kirby. Last December, William underwent bladder surgery at WUTH, where five polyps were successfully removed. Utilising the new day case pathway, he was able to return home the same day — a convenience he greatly appreciated.

“The comfort of home is incomparable, and I was very glad to go home,” he said.

With support from his wife and clear post-operative guidance from the hospital, William was able to manage his recovery independently.

“If you’re able to move around and manage sensibly, then, in my opinion, home is the better option,” he said, highlighting the pathway’s efficiency and patient-centred focus.

Beyond improving efficiency, the initiative also encourages patients and their families to plan for post-surgical care.

Andrew said: “For some patients, simply having a friend or family member available to support them at home for a night can make all the difference.

“We’re asking people to think about their recovery in advance, ensuring hospital beds are available for those who need them most.”

This new approach is part of WUTH’s commitment to putting patients first by delivering safe, personalised care and improving the experience for everyone undergoing surgery.

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Photo caption: SEAL Team Lise Manning, Andrew Bradley-Gibbons, and Natalie Henderson