This topic is about the frustrating experience of having a surgery cancelled at the last minute due to a shortage of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. The person involved was informed during their pre-op assessment that there was a possibility of cancellation because of flu-related bed pressure. They were told they would receive a call if the surgery was to be cancelled, but no such call came. On the morning of the surgery, a final check with the hospital confirmed that the procedure was still scheduled. However, after arriving at the hospital, completing paperwork, meeting with the anesthetist, and waiting for over two hours, the surgery was cancelled due to the lack of available ICU beds. This left the person feeling frustrated, having wasted their morning, and now facing a 1–2-month wait for a new surgery date, along with the need to order more ostomy bags.

Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights for anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation:

1. If your procedure is cancelled after you have already arrived at the hospital and you are far from home, you can insist that the hospital arrange and pay for your transport back. One person managed to secure a £160 NHS-funded taxi when they were left without money or local support.

2. Be aware that decisions about bed availability might be made by non-clinical staff known as "bed managers," rather than your treating doctors. If you feel it's necessary, be prepared to question or escalate the situation.

3. Miscommunication between hospital departments can lead to significant delays or even misplaced admissions, such as being held in an ER hallway overnight. To help prevent these issues, stay proactive and repeatedly confirm details with the hospital staff.