There were 463 patients treated in the initial 12-month period of a general surgical day service. A comprehensive audit was instituted in order to monitor patient acceptability and outcome of the service. There was a high level of patient satisfaction with the service, pain control, anaesthesia, patient information, medical and nursing care and ward privacy. A reduction in the wound complication rate was achieved when operations were performed by senior registrars. A reduction in the wound complication rate and provision of dedicated facilities were responsible for the improved successful discharge and readmission rates. The provision of a safe and acceptable day surgery service has been facilitated by audit.