"Excellent Experience"

I had a cataract removal operation at WEH on 18 May.

I was a day patient.

The operation took place in an operating room on the 4th floor.

The Manager of the 4th floor was exceptionally nice, competent and made me feel less anxiety than I had going in.

The operation took place in a very state of the art operating theatre and there were a lot of medical people there, although I was only introduced to the surgeon, who did the procedure.

The procedure lasted approximately 20 minutes during which the surgeon explained what he was doing at each step.

I felt comfortable in the surgeon's hands and at the conclusion of the surgery (which in addition to removing right eye cataract, involved making a small surgical incision to reduce astigmatism), I was told by the Consultant present that it had been an uncomplicated and "perfect execution" .

Post surgery I spent about 25 minutes in the recovery area during which I was given a cup of tea and instructions to be followed for the following week(s).

I went away feeling very comfortable with the experience I had at WEH.

The only criticism that I have is that the appointment for my procedure was 13.00 but I was only actually operated on at about 15.00.

It would be preferable if the appointment timing could be adhered to more tightly, although I appreciate that all sorts of medical considerations can lead to re juggling surgery "lists" and that operations do take the time that they take, irrespective of planned durations.

I look forward to going back to the hospital in about 3 weeks to have the right eye evaluated following the operation and to schedule the operation for the second eye.

David Savage