"Second to None"

My patient journey began during gestation. Scans picked up a cyst- the radiology staff were very very professional. I was reassured by the consultant it would be dealt with after delivery. Not long after giving birth to a healthy bouncy baby with the best midwife ever (I’ve had 2 previous babies) my appointment dates came through for a follow up outpatient appointment.

Yesterday I attended the Day Surgery Unit at 12noon and was discharged at 1700hrs. My patient experience from the receptionist to the nursing assistant to the staff nurses, the anaesthetic surgeon and the consultant surgeon was nothing short of compassion, kindness, patient centred, safe and professional. The clinical areas were also spotlessly clean and everything was well sign posted. Even car parking zones was available for 2hrs for drop off and picks.

I walked into theatre with a staff member and everyone instantly made me feel at ease with their instructions and where to go and what was happening. It was just as we see in the movies; the lights the green uniforms, the machines, the trolley bed all the staff fussing about the patient. My recovery was swift no headaches or nausea apart from some tenderness which is to be expected.

The surgeon came and saw me after I was made the best cuppa and buttered toast by the nursing team. Discussion about what was found and ongoing investigations was relayed to me and I felt the surgeon was so very patient with my never ending questions. I am humbled to have received my first keyhole surgery under such God gifted gifted talented hands.

It was truly a win win situation as England won the World Cup football semi finals after 40 years last night! I feel blessed to be alive and living in this wonderful country receiving world class care some can only dream about. I’ve lived in 4 but England I have to say is second to none. Long live the NHS and long live the Queen.