"Definitely a nurse who needs a pat on the back!!"

I came in to hospital for a routine procedure on my jaw so was admitted to the maxillofacial/ENT ward. There was a short wait for a bed space which wasn’t quite cleaned yet (maybe 5 minutes) but we were shown to a day room while we waited. 

A nurse came through to get us, introduced herself as Lucy and took myself and my mum through to the bed space. As always there is paperwork and admission protocols to follow so I was happy to sit and answer Lucy’s questions. As she darted off to get one of the bits of kit she left, she was side tracked by several of the other patients on the wards asking for other things. She was always obliging to them and kept reminding me that she hadn’t forgot about me and that she would be back as soon as she could. Nothing was too much for her and she had had such a busy morning but kept acknowledging everyone, helping everyone and nothing was ever too much for her. I was visited by the surgeon who was very pleasant as well and had met him a few times prior to this visit. He explained everything step by step and was kind. I was also visited by the anaesthetist who was very kind also and explained everything as well as he could. It was about an hour later Lucy made it back to us to finish off the paper work. Poor girl was run off her feet but still made it back to us with a huge smile on her face! 

Throughout the morning of waiting for the procedure she dotted around the wards caring for all the patients, helping them in whatever way she could. 

She had me gowned and ready for my surgery in plenty time and was also there to see me off with a wave! I was taken down to theatre by a very chatty orderly Thom, who really helped to calm my nerves with all his joking and stories. 

After surgery, I was met with a recovery staff nurse Ben. He was also a fantastic member of staff! Nothing was too much for him, he was chatting to me and keeping me at ease. I was visited again by the anaesthetist who also joined in the conversation and obliged to answer my questions at that point as well (even when they were silly questions due to the pain medication!). Ben took me back to the ward and made sure I was comfortable before he left and wished me a speedy recovery. 

Lucy met me back at the ward and was on hand with my obs every 30 mins and was happy to oblige with whatever I needed. 

All in all, I think the staff were second to none in this ward, from my experience and watching how they dealt with the other patients as well. I overheard one of the other lady’s say to Lucy, you’ve kept this ward afloat all day with a huge smile and nothing has been a bother. Definitely a nurse who needs a pat on the back!!