"Hernia repair at Croydon University Hospital..."

On the afternoon of the 23rd October 2018 I was admitted to the Day Surgery Unit for an inguinal hernia repair. Though I had already met the very personable and communicative consultant who would perform the operation, and despite the fact that I have had these operations in the past at other hospitals, for whatever reason I was more than a little nervous on this occasion.

I shouldn't have been nervous. I was in excellent hands.

The Day Surgery Unit appears to be a very well run facility. It's very clean and smart and appears to be well equipped. The reception staff are friendly and professional and the nursing team that admitted me and checked on me whilst I waited were very pleasant and efficient. They made me comfortable.

The Registrar was extremely pleasant and made the whole process very simple and easy to understand. By the time I left his office I was no longer concerned but rather keen to go under and get this thing done.

The nursing team that met me with robes and instructions on the Day unit ward itself, who prepared me for my anaesthetic and who cared for me so beautifully after the operation really were excellent. Charming - honest - direct - quick to help - caring. They really are a credit to the NHS. If ever there were an advertisement for nursing it would be these nurses and nursing assistants.

As for the surgeon - well - when I met him again I was already under anaesthetic (applied most professionally and kindly). But I will say that I didn't once doubt his capabilities. I've had a few of these operations now and as a result it could have been a more complicated procedure; we didn't know what we'd find. But three days later and I am already walking around and getting on with things albeit very gently). I think that speaks volumes.

You can tell by the tone of this review that I have long been a fan of the NHS. In fact, thinking it through, what I am is a fan of the people that are the NHS, and none more so that this whole team. It takes a great team of many people to safely administer care, and these team members do so beautifully. They should all be rightly proud of what they do and how they do it. Thank you so much.

In short; would I readily recommend the Day Surgery Unit at Croydon University Hospital? Wholeheartedly - yes. Unreservedly. Exceptional care available to everyone. Extraordinary!