"NHS was excellent"

In March I went to A&E Milton Keynes with severe pain at the base of my spine. A rectal growth was diagnosed. I was sent straight to A&E Northern General where tests were taken. I had an operation in May to remove the cyst from between the base of my spine and rectal wall. The second operation was to clean and drain the abscess from the surgical wound. The district nurses changed my dressings daily. I was told the cyst was cancerous but investigation and debate is continuing as to the type of cancer and treatment for it.

So the good points were the efficient GPs and the generally swift treatment given. There was good surgical and nursing care in the hospital and at home. I was impressed by the staff’s kind treatment of patients with dementia. I felt that the bad points were the hospital admin. For example I was told to go for a pre-op assessment (along with others) but the unit was closed. I received an apology only from the ward sister. From what I saw, there was poor cleanliness too. The toilet on ward was blocked, and I feel there needs to be more toilets. I wasn’t given an explanation for the surgical wound infection I got. The parking was terrible and very stressful for patient and visitor. The most frightening bit was the ineffective pain control in both A&E departments. I spent five hours in pain in the Northern General Hospital with morphine having little effect, but an apology was given. Generally the NHS was excellent and I appreciated it.