"My experience in Craigavon Hospital on the Orthopaedic ward"

I have waited 3 weeks for an operation and this has felt like a lifetime. I have been in  a lot of pain at home so when I got the phone call to say that my operation would go ahead and there was an available appointment, I felt very relieved. The wait was difficult and this was the most negative part of my experience. I have been in a lot of pain at home and felt very down not knowing when I would get a date for my operation. It was difficult to cope with the pain at home and I think the health system fails people like me during those three weeks of pain. I felt quite abandoned and as if I had to just get on with my discomfort and deal with it.

I completely understand this is the fault of the health system and its issues of being understaffed and under resourced. I was waiting to get a piece of metal put in my leg and once I arrived in the hospital all of my annoyance and pain was overshadowed as I knew I was in the hands of caring individuals who were going to prioritise  helping me get back up on my feet. 

I got a relative to leave me up to the hospital and this was very straightforward. There were no issues with parking etc. I wasn't sure where the orthopaedic ward was so when I arrived in reception I  asked the staff there and they were able to direct me. They were all very helpful and  welcoming. The staff on the orthopaedic ward have been marvellous. I feel comfortable and rested.

What I would commend the staff the most for would be their communication skills with me and how thorough they have been with their explanations. It is always a daunting experience to undergo a surgical procedure and at least when nursing staff and doctors talk you through everything you feel like you can prepare better for the procedure. I always knew what treatment they were giving me and why they were doing it and this really reassured me and put me at ease before my operation. They answered questions that I had and if they were unsure of an answer they always came back to me. I am extremely impressed with the staff in Craigavon Hospital and would feel very happy to come again knowing how polite and accommodating the staff are.

Overall my ward space is extremely comfortable. I am lucky that I have been given a side room which is great as I get my own privacy and a TV. The presence of the TV really helps to pass the time. The room is very clean and the toilet and showering facilities are of the same high standard of cleanliness. 

Apart from my issues with waiting I have no complaints about the quality of my care in Hospital. It was my first time in Craigavon Hospital and the standard of care has been so good I will be returning here in the future if I ever have another health problem.