"Waiting time for surgery"

Very long wait for gallbladder surgery-about 20 weeks, which was very disappointing since I had been assured waiting times were better at Stafford than Stoke.

Also very disappointed that assurances given on phone that a relative could stay with me throughout were not upheld. I think it is absolute rubbish to suggest this is because of commitment to single sex accommodation as rule applied to same sex relatives too. No reason for this at all-ample room available around bed space. Really wish powers-that-be understood & appreciated importance of family, especially for patients with previous very negative experiences, which is why I chose Stafford over Stoke in the first place! Most people I know would feel more comfortable & confident knowing their family are with them & while it may be easier for staff not to have to deal with worrying relatives, patients should come first.

Student nurse (Zoe I think? ) went above & beyond and was very patient in the face of my highly anxious, frustrated & upset state; she alone was the only thing that stopped me going home.

When I woke after surgery there was new staff and my relative was prevented from coming to me. Also had to request pain relief twice before being given anything and while staff were efficient & professional, empathy & compassion were for the most part absent.

Overall, yet another disappointing experience & I hate to think what I will do if I need hospital care in the future.