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An enhanced recovery programme for women recovering from Caesarean sections at Barnet Hospital has been credited with getting patients up and about quicker and cutting the average time spent in hospital by mother and baby by more than a third.
The obstetric enhanced recovery programme, which was launched in November, sees doctors, nurses and midwives encouraging eligible patients recovering from elective Caesarean section to resume a normal diet and get out of bed earlier than previously.
Since the project was launched the average length of hospital stay for patients undergoing a C-section has decreased from 2.5 days to 1.6 days, with no increase in readmissions or complications.
Dr Raymond Yau, consultant anaesthetist and programme lead, said: “This is all about getting patients back to normal activity as soon as possible after their operation. It speeds up recovery and gives the patient a much better experience, and hopefully if they feel ready lets them take their baby home a bit earlier. Barnet Hospital is one of several hospitals in England to trial the enhanced recovery programme.
Dr Yau added: “The early results show that patients are happy with this new way of doing things and we are hoping it will eventually become established practice across the trust.”
Image: Dr Raymond Yau, consultant anaesthetist and programme lead.
ENDS
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Media contacts: daniel.obrien1@nhs.net
About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.
The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.
In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London.
