"Experienced and confident staff"

I recently had an appt for a Transcervical resection of fibroid. I had to attend the Eden ward but the tower block entrance is currently having work completed so we all got lost trying to find our way in so Signposting could be better or on the appointment letter advising patient to enter via the eye clinic would have helped. I have multiple scans a disabled badge so could be dropped to the door but all the other ladies I met had to do a lot of stressful walking around trying different buildings a small thing that could be easily resolved . 

I found the security ladies very helpful and the Covid procedures were very clear.

Upon reaching the Eden ward I was met by Susan who I was to later find was the king pin to the admissions team and I would hope she is highly regarded by her team .

After being seated in the waiting room I was the first to be called through by Susan she immediate notes my mobility issues and took my bag and offered her arm to assist me . Disabled people don’t like to ask for help and to slow people down . Susan seemed to be aware of this without saying anything and made me feel comfortable and at ease. Throughout her routine checks with she was efficient and pleasant obviously very experienced in her role and often referred to by her colleagues for equipment or assistance . When I need to walk anywhere she let me take my time I did not feel rushed and she just made things run like clockwork! Thank you Susan you are a shining example of the Best that the NHS have you have the perfect personality and knowledge to do your job ! 5 stars .

The next person I met was Faye my anaesthetist . Very pleasant and thorough and we were joined briefly by her colleague Terrance a very likeable and jolly fellow ! Faye overcame my concerns about the anaesthetic and a calm approach what again impressed me was her offer to try and get the surgical team to come into the Room she had been using to save me having to walk back and forth to the waiting room . Thank you Faye this was very kind and only a small thing but made a huge difference to me with my mobility and fatigue issues .

Next I met Tom and the surgical team sorry don’t recall all names but perfectly happy with conversation very pleasant . After a short wait I was very fortunate to be the first down for my operation probably best as I hate waiting around Susan took me to theatre as I was walking in had to visit the toilet and she was patient and understanding making sure I wait for her to come back to walk me to theatre she handed me over to another staff member. Now I like to focus on the positives so I will say that in the 10 mins I was waiting they spoke with one colleague from theatre  very diligently, however I felt they were quite abrupt in their dealings with the other colleagues. I will be generous and put it down to being early morning after all it dosent take much to be civil pleasant and kind and talk to others nicely!

I was taken to theatre by a Scottish lady sorry I’m not great remembering names.  She was very jolly and efficient  offering her support for walking . Mr skinner kept me smiling and side tracked whilst Faye fitted the cannula as painlessly as possible. A few deep breaths from the masks and the last thing I recall saying was what a lovely happy atmosphere you have here and then I was off !

Don’t remember recovery much but all went fine I think and then I was back on the ward . As soon as I arrived a lovely lady offered me a cup of tea and took an order for lunch, I can’t remember her name is perfect for her job happy holy chatty whilst very efficient. Later on Diane came in I think to check my stats and pain etc another caring and experienced nurse and I felt confident in her care. Other people nipped in and out but Diane removed the cannula later when I was discharged wheeled me down to the entry once and the car park outside when I discovered it was her first shift on this ward after a recent transfer from a different hospital . I’m sure she will be an asset to your team she has a natural empathy and calmness that is great with patients whilst clearly being competent in her role .

One of the surgeons popped in to see me and gave me a clear sum up of the operation and a chance to ask questions and I was issued with a discharge letter and aftercare suggestions . 

I have to say my experience was extremely pleasant I trusted the people I met they seemed experienced and confident. I was kept very comfortable at all times kept topped up with water and tea and helped with trips to the toilet . 

Your all doing a great especially with the additional requirements you have currently thank you so much for your kindness and making my short visit go so well .

Also as a final note my expectations were exceeded when I received a phone call from the lead consultant to apologise that he didn’t get a chance to see me before I left and wanted to discuss the operation with me himself as a couple of things were different once the examination started. 

I know you are all so busy and under a lot of pressure so taking the time to do this was really appreciated.

The NHS is lucky to have you all !!