"My pre-assessment experience and my stay in the ward"

I attended for my pre-assessment at the stated time, information and guidance to the appropriate department was given by the reception staff at the entrance to the hospital.

On arrival I waited a few minutes and was then approached by a nurse who introduced herself  and explained the procedures that she would be undertaking. She put me at my ease as we chatted about various things unrelated to the appointment and at the end the time scale for my surgical procedure  was given to me.

It was an uneventful, informative appointment and I left feeling that I had been treated exceptionally well.

I received a letter the next week giving me a date for my Cholecystectomy which was within 14 days of my pre assessment appointment giving me advice on what I should do etc the day before.

On the day of my operation I was directed to the day theatre and although the staff were friendly enough I felt a bit like I was in a cattle market, there were so many people being prepped for theatre.

Again I did not have to wait long my personal belongings were stored safely for me and I was escorted into the anaesthetic room where I was informed of what would be happening and they helped me get comfortable on the trolley before administering the anaesthetic.

I woke up in a ward where I was given a jug of water and was asked to drink as much  as I could. I was treated well and the staff were considerate and attentive. 

I was woken two hourly overnight for observations and in the morning the night staff who were finishing their shift placed a glass of water on my table. Night staff weren't so friendly and I got the impression that they couldn't wait to end their shift  as they rushed to get finished.

All in all though the staff and particularly the lady surgeon who performed my operation were friendly , knowledgeable and kind.