"This experience has really coloured our thinking"

Daughter had treatment here last month under general surgery department and the experience from start to finish was poor.   She had exactly the same operation two years previously under orthopaedic surgery and the experience then was absolutely gold standard - astonished general surgery could be so bad.  

First all admission was fumbled - told to stay in, then told to go home.   Consented by doctor for local anaesthetic as day case but when returned following day for this was reconsented for general anaesthetic and an inpatient stay.   Because of change of plan had to wait in A& E waiting room for six hours until inpatient bed became available.  

During theatre procedure had unexpected bleed leading to 48 hours of low blood pressure (headaches, lightheadedness to boot).   Despite bleed in theatre nurse on night shift then tried to administer IV blood thinners.   On day after surgery nurse in charge did not know who my daughter's consultant was, so discharged home with no follow up appointment.   No visit from pharmacist on day of discharge so sent home without antibiotics (walk in centre had to then remedy this in spite of the fact it is not their responsibility).  

Daughter in so much pain had to return to the A& E department at Chelsea and Westminster - however, they failed to bleep the surgical team so she went home feeling as bad as when she came.   Would not use this hospital again for any kind of surgery (feel very bad for the orthopaedic department saying that but this more recent experience has really coloured our thinking).