"Pluses outweigh minuses. A positive..."

What I liked

1. I was impressed by staff professionalism at all levels. They were all kind, caring and courteous and were always prepared to explain proceedures and answer questions fully in a clear and unpatronising manner.

All paid particular attention to patient dignity, to a greater extent than I had expected.

2. The physiotherapist was outstanding. She gave important background information, dealt with relevant issues, answered questions and dispelled a few misunderstandings in a friendly, professional and sometimes amusing way. She was completely in tune with her client group on both a one-to-one, at our first meeting and in a group of three, the next day.

3. After I was discharged I was worried about some blood loss. I rang Ward 7 and received sensible and reassuring advice from the Staff Nurse on duty. (but - see below)

4. According to my husband, the parking attendents at the Whinney Heys car park were efficient, helpful and cheerful under trying circumstances.

What could be improved

1. I did not realise until I spoke with the anaesthetist after admission that I had a choice between a spinal and a general anaesthetic. The anaesthetist explained both proceedures and their advantages and disadvantages carefully so that I could make an informed decision but I obviously had to decide there and then. I would have much prefered to have known about this choice at the pre -admission appointment so that I could have had more time to consider.

2.Some of the information in the patient booklet and the leaflet on hysterectomies I received at my pre-admission appointment seemed out of date or inaccurate.

eg - my husband waited with me after admission so that he could take my clothes and suitcase home. This was not neccessary - much more civilised - but contrary to information in the booklet.

- average length of stay quoted in the leaflet (5-7 days) was longer than that refered to on the website (4.5 days)

- wards seem to have been reorganised. I was expecting to be on a gynaecological ward but was on a surgical. A ward B was refered to in the leaflet but nowhere else.

3. In terms of post discharge care, I wonder about the efficiency of having apparently to go through A and E or my GP if there were problems when the ward staff seem quite capable of dealing with post surgical issues if they have the facilities to do so. (see above)

4. I feel that feedback is important and wonder whether a form on discharge might be useful. I found locating this form on your website was not straightforward.AttentiveCheerfulCommunicationCourteousDignityProfessionalismReassuringCar ParkNursing staffPhysiotherapistsAdmissionsAppointmentsWebsiteGeneral anaestheticHysterectomyConsiderateLeafletsAnaestheticsAnaesthetistsPatient careWomen's health