"We are so lucky - the NGH must be one of..."

What I liked

Big Thanks to Bev Stokes Day Care Surgery.

The Bev Stokes Day Care Surgery in Sheffield is super! After a two month wait, I spent an afternoon in the care and guidance of the medical, nursing and surgical staff for my hemorrhoidectomy operation on the 2nd March 2011. Nothing was too much trouble and they sensitively cared and supported me throughout my time in the unit - before, during and after the operation.

I was understandably nervous about this operation having read up about it beforehand, but the staff in the unit went out of their way to put me at my ease.

I'd like to express my sincere gratitude for all of their kindness and compassion. In particular, my thanks go to the nursing and surgical staff who were thoughtful, caring and professional throughout. There are too many staff to individually name, and indeed I didn't catch any but a couple, but I thank the whole team unreservedly.

I can't say that I enjoyed the experience so much that I'd want to do it all again, but one week post-op, I am in minimal pain which I put down to the quality of care that I received.

Finally, the tea and toast at the end were simply wonderful!

What could be improved

Parking is problematic (and relatively expensive) at the NGH although there is a 15 minute area immediately outside the unit. Having said that, we were lucky to find a space not 200 yds away which appeared to be free - which was good because my spouse stayed with me for the entire duration of my stay - some 6 hours in total. Perhaps a parking pass allowing use of the main car-parks for day surgery cases could be considered?

A couple of minor gripes are that I was only given 5 sterile pads to cover the wound with. My GP happily prescribed some more (15 more to be exact) but could only find pads half the size which are barely adequate.

I an also puzzled as to why I was asked to attend for 12:30 when the pre-op consultations simply covered and re-covered the same information - which had also been given not 9 days before (I probably had to give the same information perhaps 4 times to different staff on the day). Then followed a long period of waiting (whilst apprehension built up) before finally entering the operating room. In total a minor gripe - but could patients be requested to attend in more than 2 groups (ie morning or afternoon)? Probably a logistical difficulty there I imagine.