Hospital work praised

A recovery programme taken onboard by the Bay of Plenty District Health Board has been heralded a success by the Minister of Health.

Minister and Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall said the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme helped people recover quickly after operations, it resulted in fewer complications and patients were able to go home sooner.

''Bay of Plenty District Health Board, who recently adopted the programme, has reported significant improvements,'' Mr Ryall said.

"Following major bowel surgery, patients are now able to eat and drink and are out of bed on the day of their surgery. And they start walking about the ward the following day.

''This is a great result. Prior to the ERAS programme, it would normally take patients several days before they could get out of bed after bowel surgery.''

Tauranga doctor Neil Graham helped spearhead the programme as part of his cause to increase awareness around venous thromoembolism (VTE) or blood clots, which commonly occurred after surgery.