<p>In May 1995 the author was appointed as the first laparoscopic nurse practitioner (NP) in the UK. The role was to provide a seamless service for patients undergoing laparoscopic general surgery. Three factors influenced the development of this role:</p> □ <p>The reduction in junior doctors’ hours (NHSME 1991)</p> □ <p>The Calman Report (1993) which redefined surgical training</p> □ <p>The NHS Executive Report (1994) stating that 60 per cent of all elective surgery should be performed on a day-case basis by the year 1996/97.</p>