"Outstanding hospital with dedicated staff."

I was treated with respect and dignity throughout my stay at Papworth from diagnosis to surgery and after care. Communication was always excellent, and my questions were always answered to my satisfaction. Nothing ever seemed too much trouble for any of the staff that I encountered. I was incredibly nervous the night before my operation and very emotional and the empathy from the nurses really reassured me. My husband was permitted to stay with me the night before right up to 11pm and there was never any pressure for him to leave earlier and he was made to feel welcome and given a cup of coffee. I can’t thank all the team enough that aided my recovery and ultimately gave me my life back. The cleaning staff keep my room and the ward spotless; the catering staff were always so helpful trying for example to ensure that I had strawberry yogurt (the only flavour that I like), the porters, radiologists and physiotherapists were all so friendly and professional and always explained what was happening and why at every step. The nurses and doctors both in ICU and on the ward looked after me so well and always went beyond my expectations taking time to even explain even the little things like how the light worked over the bed and turning the monitor away from me to minimise the light for sleeping. I had to buzz for their assistance numerous times during the night to help me out of bed to use the toilet and not once was I made to feel that I was an inconvenience and on one occasion when I wet the bed a bit there was no drama, nothing said and the sheet was swiftly changed whilst I used the toilet. My drains and catheter were all removed with care to afford me minimal discomfort. My anaesthetist was lovely as I was clearly anxious talking to me about her and my dog before I went to sleep that I didn’t even realise what was happening. My surgeon was incredible and genuinely a really nice man, explaining the valve options (aortic valve replacement, Saturday, 07th March) and the risks, answering all my questions and I had a lot, but the final decision was always mine. He then phoned my husband personally post-surgery to confirm that the procedure was textbook. I am now proud to be a member of the zipper club as my wound is so straight and neat thanks to the skill of my talented surgeon. My discharge was seamless with my medication, post-operative care and wound management fully explained and a sick note provided for my employer. We are so incredibly fortunate to have such a high performing hospital right on our doorstep and the NHS in general.