"My first general anaesthetic and the best care"

RecentlyI was admitted at 08:00am to the Day Surgery Unit at Victoria Hospital. I was extremely anxious as this was my first time having an operation under general anaesthetic. I was warmly welcomed into the unit by Staff Nurse Keren who was extremely friendly and made me feel at ease. 

Andy was then my nurse who admitted me and explained everything that would be happening. He was very patient, caring and very thorough going through all the paperwork. I then met my Consultant Anaesthetist Laura who was amazing! She was so sympathetic and listened to all my concerns and reassured me and made me feel more relaxed and at ease. Dr Graham and his team then came to see me to discuss the plan which had changed slightly since my initial consultation however this did not make me feel uneasy as the whole team explained fully the rationale for their decision and ensured that I was happy to go ahead. I felt that I was in very good hands. They told me I would be taken later in the morning, however I was taken at 10am which was a nice surprise as I had expected it to be later. 

I was then taken to the anaesthetic room where I was met by my anaethetist Laura and Staff Nurse Gold. There were other members of the team there too but I cant remember their names but they were also amazing. 

Laura knew how anxious I was about getting a canula in my hand, but she made the process seem so simple and made me question why I worried at all. She explained everything she was doing and was being extremely caring and attentive. One of her colleagues got me a warm blanket and made sure I was comfortable and Staff Nurse Gold held my hand as I drifted off to sleep. She was so caring and spoke away to me and made me feel at ease, I felt so lucky to have her with me in the anaesthetic room, any patient would be very lucky to have her as their nurse.

A few hours later I woke up in the theatre recovery, I cant remember my recovery nurses names but I just remember them being extremely caring and looking after me very well and making sure I was comfortable and safe, so thank you so much. My heart rate wouldnt settle and I vaguely remember them getting the anaesthetist to review me. They were extremely thorough and a credit to the recovery team. 

Back in the Day Surgery unit Andy, Keren and Alison were my main nurses, they were all attentive, caring and compassionate. They made sure I was comfortable, had enough pain killers when I was sore, they made sure I always had something to drink and always asked if I needed anything else.

Julie and Shona also came several times to check on me and make sure I was ok which I really appreciated. Everyone was truly were amazing and I felt so lucky to have them. Special mention to student nurses Lauren and Olivia too who made sure my observations were completed on time and were very kind and caring. I am sure they will both make very caring and compassionate Staff Nurses in the future. 

I am a Staff Nurse myself and I could not have wished for better care. I hope that every patient feels the way that I felt because I have never felt more cared for and in safe hands. Every member of the team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, caring, compassionate, understanding and very friendly. Thank you so much to every staff member involved in my care, you are all an absolute credit to the NHS. 

Thank you