"Absolutely blown away by these people. Amazing…"

I have a form of autism called Asperger's Syndrome which makes me reluctant to seek treatment often due to lack of trust and excessive fear. This had been compounded by a lack of compassion and information afforded me on recent occasions by local health services that i accessed for help and who seemed to have no interest in adapting their operating protocols to better facilitate and improve the clinical treatment of autistic patients. This lack of compassion and care by my local hospital (Derbyshire) led to me living with a large hernia for nearly 3 years which caused me so much mental and physical suffering which was such that i nearly left my 12 year old daughter without a dad. I was in some dark places. Although my hernia was not immediately life threatening, the feeling of being frozen out of accessing help and not being able to discuss my difficulties with anyone locally in the NHS led to me seeking alternative provision from well out of the area. I decided to refer to Newcastle Freeman and i was absolutely blown away by their total professionalism, calm, organisation, dedication and commitment to me personally and also as a patient with ASC (Austistic Spectrum Condition). Nothing was too much trouble for all of the staff that i encountered. Everything was clearly explained to me and ensured that i understood and was happy and i felt completely secure that they actually genuinely showed me the utmost patience and compassion that i needed for me to be able to go through a difficult process and get better again. The consultant surgeon was a gift to me, his supreme clinical skills and expertise i have been extremely fortunate to have been the beneficiary of. I will never be able to thank him enough for allowing me my life back. The anaesthetist visited me in the ward prior to the procedure and was also absolutely amazing. Friendly, down to earth but professional and so, so supportive and forthcoming with information and this alleviated much anxiety. The lady nurse who held my hand for the anaesthetic and calmed me was a true angel to me. The man who admitted me to the ward and helped with everything i needed was very attentive and nothing was too much trouble. The lady who recovered me from my operation and gave me pain relief was also so welcoming and calm. Then onto the nurse who kept an eye on me afterwards in the ward and made me toast and cups of coffee and chatting about dogs and puppies. I have been overwhelmed by the treatment i received at the Freeman from everybody involved in my care from start to finish. From the contact at the start of it all with the consultant secretary, the arranging of the pre-procedures done in my local area to the end of the line with the nurse discharging me, it has all been a wonderful positive emotional experience for me. You are all the very best of people and i will never forget what you have all done for me. Newcastle Hospital are shining examples in the best treatment for autistic patients. Thankyou