"My experience at Day surgery and 23 hour ward"

My 16 week old daughter had surgery to fix a hernia in July 2019. 

As an NHS Scotland employee I already know the exceptional work of our staff and how lucky we are to have the NHS however my experience of children’s services has blown my mind and firmly cemented that the NHS is a fantastic service and all staff go above and beyond each of them angels. 

Our journey started by getting a very quick gp appointment within an hour of phoning when we noticed a large swelling in my 8 week olds groin. this was diagnosed as a inguinal hernia and we were told would require surgery and we would be referred to hospital. After a few weeks we were given an outpatient appointment and were seen my Dr Haddock. 

What a lovely lovely man. His bedside manner was fantastic he explained everything well and put our mind at ease. The department is well equipped with beautiful artworks and play zones which are superb. All staff we encountered were friendly and welcoming. 

Fast forward 4 weeks and we returned for surgery. All contact through Mr Haddocks secretary again was fantastic. 

On the day we were again greeted by fantastic friendly staff and had comfortable bright surroundings both before and after surgery. We were treated with dignity and compassion by each and every staff member and on listening around to other patients and families  each person was treated with the same respect and standards. The staff are wonderful with older children who may be frightened and appeared to put everyone’s  mind at ease speaking to them in language they understand and using play. 

In what could have been a stressful and emotional experience I felt safe, secure and that my daughter was in loving hands. The department appeared to run like clockwork and everything was set out well and well organised. 

It is a long boring day for adults however in a hospital setting I don’t think anything else could be done differently. I could complain that seats were uncomfortable after sitting around for hours or that walking corridors gets tiresome  but there is no space ect for fancy sofas ect and it is a clinical environment. 

We had to stay overnight and again all staff were fantastic and appeared to work well and hard throughout the night always approachable and speaking to children as they deserve to be spoken to in a language they understand and with respect and dignity. 

All in all a great experience in an environment we all wished we didn’t need to be in. With fantastic staff from consultants to domestics and a well ran department. 

Also the outdoor playground is fantastic with good quality equipment and very clean.