"Happy overall but my stay could have been shorter"

I was admitted following a series of gallbladder attacks and after promptly receiving a mrcp I was awaiting an ercp for the removal of some stones blocking my bile ducts. I ended up going over to QMC on day 9 of my stay. I had a prolonged wait due to the 3 staff at Lincoln that do it being off at once. This was nearly the entire school Easter holidays and I have 3 young children. This ended up being a very traumatic experience for myself and my family.

The staff on Hatton ward were very good, however. The nurses, HCSWs and housekeepers always seemed to try their best under sometimes extremely stressful circumstances. Our hospital is often open to lots of negative attention but this didn't show through the staff. They were always trying their best and were very accommodating to my circumstances.

The surgeon I saw prior to discharge has said I need my gallbladder out within 10-14 days and I have now received a date for early may at Grantham which is 3 1/2 weeks from when he said it should be done. This again brings problems with children, travel etc and I am struggling with arranging getting home after discharge. I have been told that I am at the top of a cancellation list at Lincoln and I am hoping this comes through as soon as possible.

I am overall very happy with my care but feel as if could of been shortened if the staff for the ERCPs had been available at Lincoln. My bed could of been made available for another poorly patient on a busy surgical ward, and I could of been at home with my family.