"Day patient on ward G"

Experience of a day patient. Yesterday I attended ward G at Ormskirk hospital and underwent an Arthroscopy under general anaesthetic. I arrived on time and I was shown to a waiting room. After 10 minutes or so I was taken to the ward along with the other patients. Everything was very well organised. I was left to change into one of those infamous gowns that unhelpfully tie at the back, surely someone can design a better alternative that would be more practical. I asked if I had take all my clothes off and was informed that I did unless I was wearing cotton underpants, I could have kept those on. I wasn't, perhaps this would be a good piece of information to include in the pre appointment correspondence that could help preserve a little dignity. The paperwork was completed by an assistant on a one-to-one basis efficiently and clearly. I was told what would happen during the day. I was first to go down. The anaesthesist came to see me to do some pre-op checks and explained procedures, he was very friendly and efficient. I was taken to a side room outside of the operating theatre where all the staff there were friendly and did their best to keep me relaxed. There was a radio playing music from a local radio station which was helpfully distracting (even if one of the songs played was 'Bleeding Love' by Leona Lewis which included the lyrics 'I keep bleeding, I keep, keep bleeding...')! In spite of Leona doing her best to give me the jitters I was nicely relaxed as the aneasthatist put me out. As I came round after the op I had one-to-one attention from a nurse who monitored me and was very attentive constantly checking my stats. I was taken back to ward G and immediately offered tea and toast which I would have loved to have but was unable to as the anaesthetic was making me feel ill. The physiotherapist came to see me but realised I was not at my best so promised to return later, which he did. He clearly explained how to look after myself once I got home and made sure I fully understood what I should and shouldn't attempt and what danger signs, such as DVT I should look out for. Dinner arrived which was chicken soup followed by vegetable Lasagne. The food was fine but didn't taste so good when it came back for a second visit as the anaesthetic continued to have an effect. The ward was quiet enough for me to doze on and off which helped my recovery and I was soon able to keep down some tea and toast. Just before I was discharged I had some tea which was fish in parsley source which was really nicely cooked and I was very disappointed that I couldn't finish it. I was discharged with the care and efficiency I was becoming accustomed to and left about five pm. Overall I was very impressed with the care I received, what really impresseive was the way all the staff were wiling to fit in to what was best for me. The only reason I did not give full marks for cleanliness was the fact that the sheets were slightly stained.