"The team's care was excellent"

I would like to write about my experience from beginning to end under the Urogynaecology team at Stepping Hill.  I developed urinary stress incontinence (SI) following a couple of Covid infections which with a chronic long-standing cough, left by pelvic floor muscle weak with a mild prolapse and SI.  Having followed the advice of my GP, I initially sought physiotherapy advice for pelvic floor exercises.  These helped considerably, however, were not able to improve the SI by much.  

I had already been referred to the Urogynae team at Stepping Hill, and after a few months wait, I was able to see Doctor Batra.  Dr Batra was very kind, enthusiastic and an expert in her field.  She explained all the different options to me, in terms of less invasive procedures to open surgery.  I went away to read all the information, and after a few months, in my follow up appointment I informed Dr Batra that I would like to go for the Autologous Fascial Sling operation.  Dr Batra explained the procedure and what would happen leading up to, and during the operation.  

I had 3 appointments before the surgery, Urodynamic test, pre-op and visit to learn how to self-catheterise, should that be required after the op.  Dr Batra, and the specialist nurse Leah were both amazing, knowledgeable, reassuring and very supportive.  After this, all that was left was to wait for an operation date.  

After a few months, I received a date.  I was very nervous but on arrival on the Jasmine ward, everyone was so kind and reassuring.  This includes the support workers, nursing staff, cleaners, doctors (the 2 surgeons, Dr Batra, Dr Kaur and the anaesthetist.  The care post surgery was equally good, and within 48 hours, I was able to go home with all the information that I needed to ensure the operation would be a success. 

One comment from me would be that a specific leaflet regarding the post surgery rehabilitation would have been very helpful.  What exercises to do and when.  In order for the outcome to be a success, it is very important not to do too much too soon.  Clearer guidance would be helpful in terms of the physiotherapy rehabilitation programme.  

All in all, the entire journey from beginning to end under Dr Batra, Dr Kaur and her team's care in the Jasmine ward was excellent.  It was especially  reassuring that the Urogynaecology service, had received its independent assessment from the British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG), which inspects and accredits NHS services across the country.  They examined all aspects of care, treatment and aftercare, and were given a score of 95%; the highest achieved by a unit in the country to date. The service is now one of just 38 Urogynaecology departments accredited across the country.

My SI has now been cured and I have made a full recovery and can once again, lead a normal life, without worrying about leaking.

Thank you to all, I can highly recommend the team.