"Surgery at The Ulster Hospital"

I had a planned admission to the Day Surgery admissions ward, at The Ulster Hospital. I had to be there for 10am and had already been informed that I would be on the afternoon surgery list, for the removal of my nerve sheath tumour at the back of my knee. My Husband attended with me, although was advised to go home. We hadn't anticipated that this would happen, especially as we had a distance to travel. In hindsight it was the best decision, as his anxiety probably would have rubbed off on me. All staff that I came in contact with, on the admissions ward, were very professional, pleasant and kept me well informed. Being a nurse myself there were going to be things that I was looking out for. The ward was very clean and I had a positive experience here. The only suggestion I would make is that a TV would be available (maybe it is and I didn't see it). I arrived at 10am and wasn't taken for surgery until after 4pm, so I had a considerable wait.

I was taken down to theatre and again I couldn't fault the care I received. All staff introduced themselves and their job title. They were very pleasant, offering constant reassurance and explained every aspect of what they would be doing before and during my surgery. I really thought I would be quite anxious at this stage, being in the theatre area and knowing that there were no guarantees that my surgery would be 100% successful. I actually felt quite relaxed and that I was in safe hands. Dr Lewis is my Plastics Consultant and he was going to be doing my surgery.

When I came round in the recovery ward the nurse was straight at my side. She offered reassurance, checked my clinical observations and checked how I was feeling, she was professional at all times. At this point I had extreme pain in my foot and ankle, a symptom of the surgery I had just had. The nurse was straight in offering me pain relief, which I truly appreciated. I have no recollection of the timeframe of being in recovery, other than being made as comfortable as possible.

As I had to stay in overnight for observation, I was aware that I would be taken up to ward 4C. I cannot praise the staff here enough for the care that they delivered to me over the next 24hrs. Each and everyone that I came in contact with from Dr Lewis, the medical team, all nursing staff, support workers, domestic staff, physio staff and porter were excellent. Due to having a sciatic nerve sheath tumour removed from my leg I was in quite a bit of pain and mobilising was a big issue. All of my needs were met and I never felt I was being a nuisance, when I had to buzz for assistance or medication at any time of the day. All staff were so approachable and pleasant in all their interactions. Dr Lewis, whom I cannot thank enough, explained the outcome of my surgery to me and what to expect post operatively. Having been in constant pain for the previous 2yrs and finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel is an amazing feeling. The physio staff worked with me re mobilising and how to manage at home ie stairs, again they were pleasant and professional in their interactions. Prior to my discharge the nursing staff gave me contact details re how to contact them if I had issues with the wound ie bleeding, this reassured me that if needed there was an experienced staff member only a phone call away.

Being a nurse myself and only too aware of the negative press that the NHS and staff can get, I cannot commend everyone I came in contact with, during my journey, enough. All staff I met are doing an excellent job in what can be a stressful and at times thankless job. Thank you to all those who helped make my experience a positive one.