UHNM launches surgical recovery programme to get patients get home quicker and healthier

Patients having planned surgery at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) will soon benefit from a new programme designed to speed up recovery, reduce complications and help them get home sooner.
 
The Drinking, Eating and Moving within 24 hours after surgery (DrEaMing) initiative, which launches at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford, on Monday, supports patients to start drinking, eating and getting up and moving as soon as it is safe to do so.
 
UHNM is one of just 12 NHS Trusts across the UK taking part in the NHS England programme following a successful trial in July 2024, with national evidence showing it can reduce hospital stays by up to three days. 
 
Karen Griffiths, interim matron for trauma and project lead at UHNM said: “The trial in July proved successful with ward and theatre staff as well as allied health professionals (AHPs) adapting well. Thanks to the positive feedback from both staff and patients, DrEaMing will soon be launched as part of the whole patient pathway.
 
“All our elective surgery patients will be encouraged to eat, drink and move within 24 hours or as soon as possible. This simple approach reduces complications, shortens length of stay and improves overall experience, meaning patients leave hospital quicker and healthier.
 
“Our teams across UHNM have embraced the programme and it’s fantastic to see such strong collaboration to improve both patient experience and hospital flow.”
 
The initiative will not only help to improve patient experience, but also free up patient beds.
 
Patrick Wilkinson, head of operations for specialised surgery, said: “By embedding this approach across all elective surgery, UHNM aims to reduce complications, improve patient experience, and create more hospital capacity while supporting national elective recovery targets.
 
“With winter approaching we know there will be challenges with bed capacity but DrEaMing means patients are able to leave hospital sooner which frees up beds for those who need them most.” 
 
Patients will be informed about DrEaMing during their pre-admission management service (PreAMS) appointments and encouraged to bring a small hospital bag with drinks, snacks, comfortable footwear and loose clothing to support their recovery.
 
Joanne Penlington, Deputy Service Lead for PreAMS, said: “Patients can expect that as soon as they’re added to a hospital waiting list, we’ll begin preparing them to ensure they are fit, healthy and understand what will happen during their hospital stay helping them to get home as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Those involved in the project would like to express their thanks to UHNM's senior nursing team, therapies department, dietitians, prehabilitation nurse practitioners, clinical educators, elective orthopaedic ward matrons and teams, audit team and patient experience team.