This paper outlines a study undertaken by Helen Lloyd to assess the impact of multi-skilled theatre practitioners on reducing cancellations in stand alone day surgery units in England and Wales. The author provides the background to the study together with an overview of the results. The literature review undertaken before the study is published in full. It identifies what factors influence the efficiency of day surgery and operating theatre facilities, traditional staffing of operating theatres and day surgery facilities, together with other influencing factors for theatre utilisation. The author recieved partial funding from ERFF to complete her MBA in Health Service Management at Greenwich School of Management (accredited to University of Hull) in 2007.