"Following initial contact with ..."

What I liked

Following initial contact with NHS direct and my GP I was in and out of QA within three days with a pacemaker. Both the wards and the theatres were all very new and state of the art and clean. The staff apart from two night porters, were friendly and helpful.

What could be improved

Both the Doctors and Nurses did not always appear to "gel" before handling patients. Also much more prominent notices, particularly in the Entrance to ensure every visitor "gels" on entering. The food whilst adequate could certainly be improved. The nurse taking a blood sample at the blood taking clinic did not intend using a swob until requested to. Following the op, I was left with a slight bleed which continued throughout the night. The nurses whilst very attentive, treated the problem by adding further dressings to the pressure bandage with the result that by the morning I looked like a blooded version of Michelin man. The apecialist was suitably horrified on his morning visit and sorted the problem out immediately.

Anything else?

QA is a vast hospital and I feel the signage could be improved significantly. Colour coding corridors might help in this matter and also make the appearance rather less bland.

Generally I was very happy with my treatment.