"Superb patient care"

In November I had my aortic valve replaced. Right from the initial fitness-for-surgery review through to discharge the quality of the nursing care was superb, even when I became a 'difficult patient' for a few hours one night. Everyone walks around with a smile on their face, and when a problem arises it is sorted out quickly by the team. Because the hospital specialises in cardiothoracic surgery everyone knows exactly what they are doing, and if needed works as a team to solve the problem. When it comes to patient well-being any 'hierarchy' is completely invisible. I was fortunate to be in a side ward for the final few days of recovery and when I pressed the handset for assistance a nurse appeared within 30 seconds or so. Amazing! The range of food was excellent and there was free wi-fi, thought not quite up to supporting video streaming! Every nurse had their given name prominent on their badge and that helped me see them as individual carers and not as 'a nurse'.

My only frustration was that at ward rounds the doctors tended to talk about me to the nursing staff, and not give me a chance to check with them directly on my progress. Unlike the nursing staff it was very difficult to see their name badges. Fortunately there was an SHO who came round most days and made a point of explaining to me what was going on.

It is now almost four weeks since my operation and my recovery has exceeded my expectations, though there is still some way to go.

Overall, if you have a choice of hospital for the procedure I received then choose Harefield. I will never forget the professionalism of all the staff, the way in which each nurse helped me along the road of recovery and above all the smiles as they did so. Thank you!