When we left the house at 07.30 after Deb suffered a night of probably gallbladder pain, I didn't really expect to still be sitting in Palmerston North Emergency Department at 4.30 pm waiting for a bed to free up so Deb can be admitted. With any luck the gallbladder will be removed tomorrow.

Oh, hope it will happen soon if not already. Hoping the procedure will go smoothly, and that there will be no more pain. 🤞

@cheribaker @odd Thanks folks. I'm finally home — Deb has a proper bed on a ward. The op might be tomorrow. The hospital is really busy so it'll depend on availability of everything — staff, room, equipment etc. The good thing is: apart from the 'cost' of spending all day the only $ cost was a very reasonable $8 for parking all day.

I’m sure they are unusually busy right before Christmas. Sorry that you had to wait so long, but happy that the hospital is prioritising the procedure. Good thing it didn’t cost very much. ❤️🩹

@odd For many reasons NZ's health service is in disarray and stressed out. All the staff were supremely friendly, helpful, professional. We're just so lucky it's all free. Unfortunately many many people who need surgery have to wait months or longer because it's not 'acute' enough.

Yes, we have waiting lists here too, and I think they used to be longer. For operations where we don’t have skilled doctors and nurses, we send patients abroad to where they do, such as the UK.

I have had my gallbladder removed, and I know how painful gallbladder pain can be. I'm sorry you're going through that, especially so close to the holidays. Here's hoping that it is removed soon, and I wish you a speedy recovery and a happy holiday. 

Oh no! I really hope Deb's able to get that treatment tomorrow, and some relief from that pain. That doesn't sound pleasant at all 🙁

@Lynessence Thank you for the good wishes. It's my partner having the gallbladder problems. I'm the one who gets to drive, accompany etc. 😀

Wow, sorry to hear about Deb and your woes. Painful!! Hope she gets the op quickly.

glad she’s got a bed. Hope it all goes smoothly and she’s back home soon! ( and as someone over in the UK totally agree on the healthcare costs!).