"Excellent job by all"

I had surgery undertaken by Mr Ahmed early on Friday morning. I had to be put under general anaesthetic for the operation.

I stayed on ward 214 for 3 days after the surgery.

Mr Ahmed did an excellent job at the surgery, and I am delighted with the results. He was an outstanding professional from the moment I met him to the post-operation check up at the dressings clinic the following week. He ensured I had all the facts before my surgery, and was genuinely concerned with my comfort levels and my well-being throughout my time at the hospital.

The anaesthetist Dr Kumar made sure I was safe the entire time of my surgery, and came to visit me before he left to go home and made sure I was OK. His friendliness and professionalism made me feel very safe and relaxed. I was very nervous before the operation, and the whole surgery team spoke to me and explained what was happening before I fell unconscious, which made me feel very safe and in good hands.

I needed to stay in hospital for a few days until the doctors felt I was ready to go home, and my treatment from all of the staff on the ward has genuinely taken me by suprise. The nurses (including the handful of student nurses) were above the level of professionalism and friendliness I was expecting. Nothing was ever too much hassle for them and they looked after me tremendously well. Even at the end of their 12 hour shifts they maintained a cheery and upbeat attitude to my requests for painkillers or water refills. It can get quite lonely in hospital, so having nurses who are down to earth and with warm personalities certainly helped. The tea and coffee servers were just as friendly, and by the second day they didn't have to ask what I wanted as they remembered my usual request! The cleaners were also just as professional and cheerful, ensuring I was comfortable as they went about their business.

When I had to get my dressings removed and my drains taken out, the two nurses that had to do this job made me relaxed with some humourous conversation and did the task with minimal fuss, and I hardly even noticed the discomfort!

The last experience I have was when I returned for my appointment at the dressings clinic to get my dressings changed. It was great to speak to Mr Ahmed again as he checked how I was progressing. The nurse that took care of me was as professional as they come and had a great personality.

From start to finish the service I received was above and beyond anything I was expecting. It's made me realise just how precious our NHS is and how lucky I am to have had my surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.