"Superb cardiology department"

Having been referred to Cardiology by my GP in mid-December 2018, I was seen by a cardiologist in mid-January 2019, suitably tested and seen by my surgeon at the end of February. More tests followed to assess my suitability to undertake the complex surgery required and following a number of understandable postponements of my surgery, I was eventually admitted to Ward 223 on May 19th and had my operation on May 20th. The surgery was first class - replacement mitral valve, repaired tricuspid valve, repaired hole in the heart and a double CABG and my compliments to my surgeon and all the other members of the surgical team. I was in the Critical Care Unit (pod 1) for eight nights and I was really impressed with the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the staff in the CCU - what a great group of people to be with and many thanks for the care and support extended to me and members of my close family. I was then transferred back to the ward for two more nights before being discharged and was equally impressed with the support provided there, including from the physio team, the ward support staff and the hospital visitors from the 'Zipper Club'. Now, six weeks since my surgery, I'm doing well and am now accessing the follow-up support being provided by the hospital, including the echo team and the physio team, before seeing my surgeon in a few weeks time. I have found the customer service in the clinics has been at all times courteous and delivered in a timely fashion. I've been fortunate in avoiding surgery in my lifetime - my last operation was over 60 years ago - so I can't claim to be an expert on assessing hospitals but based on my recent experience, I have no reservations in recommending the Royal Stoke Cardiology team as being excellent in terms of the quality of the surgery and the quality of the after-care.