Seems like a waste of resources, certainly. My op was done privately, via insurance. Consultation with surgeon one-to-one, MRI, second consultation, again one-to-one, op. I saw him next day and then three weeks later to have the stitches removed. No "support worker", none needed.
Has anyone else had experience of the new anaesthetic? I remember the old ones, with the countdown from ten, and waking up feeling dizzy and nauseous. This time, the anaesthetist came an hour or so before, gave me the usual calming pill and inserted a catheter. I can remember going into pre-op. I didn't see either the surgeon or the anesthetist, and woke up in post-op clear as a bell!! Marvellous