"My pre-operative assessment"

My assessment took place recently at Bideford Hospital.  Before arrival I was issued with helpful instructions regarding the location of the hospital and parking arrangements. As I have never visited the hospital previously, the information was extremely helpful.

On arrival, I was surprised at how small the Out-Patients department was, and how busy. From memory, I believe clinics for Podiatry, Urology, Audiology, and Orthopaedics were in force.

However, everything was conducted in a cheerful, efficient, and caring manner. 

I have had occasion to spend time in a variety of hospitals around the world. What I am prepared to say is no matter how high-tech the establishment, none of them give the same level of care as found in a NHS hospital. What I found in Bideford Hospital confirmed my opinion. Everyone I met treated me with the utmost respect and made me feel truly cared for. 

I recently went through the same procedure at a private hospital as it was expected that my knee replacement would be carried out there. That never transpired, but I can say that I did not experience the same level of care that I did in Bideford. 

I must apologise for not recalling all the names of the personnel I met, but I am extremely grateful to the radiologists, the orthopaedic specialist, and the nursing team, especially Lisa, Mandy, and Amy. My thanks to you all and you can feel very proud of all you accomplish in your daily toil.