"My Recent Oral and Maxillofacial surgery"

I just want to say a massive thanks to Dr Bowen and his team (I'm sorry I'm hopeless with names!). I was nervous going in to get my wisdom teeth out on Friday as I have had a lot of bad experiences in hospitals over the last two years and am now quite frightened of medical staff but I didn't need to worry this time. The whole team was amazing, so caring and respectful towards me - making sure I was covered up and holding my hand during the procedure.

I was given full control over my care, allowed to choose the type of anaesthetic (I went for local and sedation) and reassured if I was finding it too difficult I could opt for a general during the procedure. The team chatted to me and were cracking jokes, I have never felt so relaxed in a hospital in my life! The staff had all been made aware of my health conditions, and were so respectful of them and helped me make decisions for my care which would best suit me.

Everything that was done was explained to me both before and during the surgery by Dr Bowen and the anaesthetist (I'm sorry I've forgotten your name!), so that I was fully informed at all times. Unprompted, the team stopped and gave me breaks throughout to make sure I was OK and when I asked to stop so I could ask something, they stopped immediately and answered my question - they were great and didn't get annoyed with me interrupting. 

I felt listened to and cared for throughout, from the nurse walking me into theatre chatting with me about haircuts to the actual surgery and then the team who looked after me in the ward. I had nurses applying vaseline to my lips after my extractions and holding my hand and stroking my arm and face, asking how I was throughout. It sounds daft but I was emotional afterwards because I was so touched by the care and compassion of the staff. I've never experienced such care in a hospital before, I wish every experience I've had had been like this.

I'm sorry I can't remember more names, but I hope this gets back to the team - thank you so so much for taking care of me and being so kind and compassionate, I can't tell you how much it has meant to me. 

The only thing I would say, nothing to do with the staff, is the leaflet about aftercare for wisdom teeth isn't very detailed - I'm fine because my mum was a nurse in oral, head and neck surgery but for other people they might be a bit unsure about aftercare. The staff did give me information but I was too spaced out to remember it 😂 so if the leaflet could be improved, that would help patients better look after their extraction sites. 

Overall, I would give my experience at day surgery 11/10! Amazing staff, I'm very grateful for them!