"Everyone is so relaxed and friendly"

I was admitted through SEAL (Surgical Elective Admissions Lounge)  in Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy. They are excellent, very efficient. The care is great I felt it would be beneficial to have more information where you are on the list for going down to theatre. Other than this I couldn't fault the staff.

The nursing manager of SEAL Donna is just a joy, nothing is too much bother. She is just lovely, very attentive and very efficient. I felt valued as a patient, not just a number I felt so valued.

The anaesthetist and team were amazing they listened to me as a patient. There was a query and the consultant was contacted  This clarified what I had said. I felt because everyone is so relaxed and friendly I could speak up  confidently.

The anaesthetist was great she gave me control of the anaesthetic mask as I was very anxious I held the mask and I was talked through every step of the way. One nurse was stroking my hand, Physical touch can be very important and reassuring for a patient.

In recovery I was in pain and I let the nurse know. I was given pain relief and a cosy blanket as I was shivering It was real toasty.

The recovery area  staff were hugely efficient A real team spirit all working together. They were always checking in with the patient this is really important.

I was then taken to Ward 54 where I know the staff as I have had repeated admissions. They are all so friendly and the care is excellent.

Ward 54 is an extremely busy ward The work is heavy you can visibly see the nurses almost sweating at times.

My needs are quite complex and staff take all of this into consideration.

I am on first name terms with the staff I feel part of a family and am treated like I am part of the family the staff are interested in me as a person.

Gill, the Clinical nurse manager is just so caring and compassionate She really does her homework she has a real warmth around her 

Pauline,  The Planned care lead, is the fixer. When I was really poorly I recognised this, she is so efficient There is a protocol for everything and Pauline takes this on board and sticks to it. No matter what it is She will fix it.

Ruth, Clinical Urology Specialist, has supported and guided me through my darkest and most difficult days.

When things have gone wrong she is compassionate and caring. She has brilliant technical knowledge gets all the threads and pulls it together, she gets things done. She has great communication skills and is just a treasure. I couldn't have walked this journey without her she is everything a nurse should be.

I don't think that the Health Care assistants (HCA) get the praise they deserve. I have seen their journey during my stays in Ward 54 I think it is great that the NHS gives them the opportunity to develop, I see the growth, it is amazing. Emma HCA So gentle, funny and humorous. Chris HCA So lovely and obliging  They work so well together.

Ward 54 is well lad with a good work ethic -  patients can feel this and it relieves anxieties

It is quite a harmonious feeling in ward 54 this all stems from the Clinical Nurse Manager Jill