"The whole chapter was easy, interesting and humbling"

My prostate removal was carried out under Ms Waine by robotic assistance and the whole experience was helped by the caring staff, who, at all times had my comfort and wellbeing in mind. The anaesthesia was spot on, with no side effects. The surgery was faultless and the aftercare superb. The nurses were tireless in their care of all the men on my recovery ward and stayed long after their allotted times. The paperwork, pads, medication and advice for me made sense, was generous and given with a one-to-one attitude that made me feel well attended and a real person.

The follow-up appointment at area E level 2 Clinical Measurements when the catheter was removed was purposeful and quick. The care and explanations by Laura made the whole visit a pleasure and I went away feeling happy and as if I had a new friend. At no time did I feel shy or uncertain as concise plans were laid out at each step. Laura is friendly, clear, methodical and endearing and I doubt another could take her place with equal professionalism.

I had been anxious about the thought of the operation and life after the event but I am happy to report that the whole chapter was easy, interesting and humbling. We are blessed with the best health service in the world.

I also observed that there must have been a lack of ward space due to me having to take a bed on an old-men's ward and I got little sleep due to there being senility, incontinence and vocalisations as a matter of course. The nurses, however, were exemplary. The cleaning activity of the ward was disappointing, with the same gloved hands used for everything from start to finish; buckets, mops and cloths one moment, then moving my water jug and beaker the next. I asked for the beaker to be changed. The hand-pumped sanitiser was only used by two nurses as far as I was aware. Dirty dressings were carried the length of the ward in cupped hands instead of placement in a clinical waste bin at the bedside. Apart from these disappointments, I have no further negative comments.

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