THE statement made by spokeswoman Kate Jeal for Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in the operation ordeal story about Angela Gore in last week's Forester is a prime example of why the NHS's management and procedures require a major shake-up.
To say the hospital was unable to give Angela Gore more notice of her operation's cancellation because all 24 specialist orthopaedic beds were in use shows the lack in basic management skills and planning in this area within the hospital.
Surely, it is not beyond the wit of man to have a simple planning chart either on the responsible orthopaedic ward manager's PC or on a wall china board showing details of each bed's occupant and their discharge date.
A daily review of the chart would readily show which beds would be become available the following day: any changes in priorities/can be then easily accommodated and incoming patients notified in good time if their operation is cancelled. To say the hospital didn't know all 24 beds would still be occupied until 10 am on the day of Angela Gore's operation defies the realms of credibility. No wonder the surgeon was surprised.
What is clearly needed is for the managers in this area to be told: "Start demonstrating your competence to manage and justify your inflated salary or we will move you to a job more appropriate to your abilities."
Paul Stephenson
Longhope