"Thank you East Surrey for your cleanliness, care and incredible staff"

My son had an operation in last year and when he saw a Surgeon  at East Surrey hospital he told us that he needed another (different) operation.

Understandably my son was very upset. He was scared and as he was being examined he was crying with fear, pain and the worry of having to go through another operation. Although the operation he now needs is only minor (and he shouldn't even have to stay overnight) my son is terrified as in May he was in a lot of pain and it took a month for him to recover so to him being told it is a minor operation was still a huge shock.

However, Dr  Alexander was a legend and the way he spoke to us and cracked jokes really calmed us both down. I was so grateful and actually amazed that he managed to turn my sons tears of pain and fear into tears of laughter as he examined him.

The NHS need more Dr's like this. I told Dr Alexander that the last Surgeon my son saw was very grumpy and serious and lacked people skills, which I feel are vital when dealing with kids, and he even gracefully apologised for our previous experience!

Dr Alexander took his time and clearly explained in a way not just I, but my son, could understand and ensured we both knew exactly what his procedure entailed and why it needed to be done. Throughout our consultation Dr Alexander was great. He answered all of our questions and was not just professional but hilarious too, which was so appreciated. He not only calmed my son down and miraculously turned his tears into laughter, but he calmed down a very worried and tired mother and managed to make me laugh too. He really was a breath of fresh air.

All of the staff at East Surrey are amazing. When we go to the Child Assessment Unit, all of the nurses are lovely, Karen is our favourite, she runs up to us and hugs us when ever she sees us!

And Dr McGlone always goes above and beyond and is lovely, kind and very caring. She has gone out of her way to help  her Secretary Jean is fantastic and often emails and calls me and always responds to all of my calls and emails.

I wanted to praise East Surrey and all of their staff. With NHS waiting lists being so long it is really hard to cope with the worry of not knowing what's causing your child pain and discomfort.

It is often forgotten that when patients and their parents get to their appointments they have spent a long time waiting and worrying so when they eventually get seen by the Dr they enter that room very anxious so it makes such a difference when the Dr they see doesn't rush them along and not only takes time to alleviate their fears but shows genuine care and concern and makes their visit fun, so very important particularly for children. The only thing worse than being told you need an urgent operation is being told by a grumpy Dr!

Thank you East Surrey for your cleanliness, care and incredible staff.