"Surgical procedure and overnight stay"

I was referred by my GP to A&E at Nottingham Queens Medical Centre hospital, due to suspected Appendicitis. From that point on all of the approximate twenty five staff that treated me in four different departments were exemplary and extremely professional throughout as well as being friendly, welcoming and reassuring. Everyone involved made the NHS proud and shows what an excellent health care organisation we have and what skilled and amazing people we have within it.

I was referred to the STU department from A&E, where the staff were very informative, supportive, clear and thorough in their approach. Particularly the trainee, the Doctors and the two surgeons that installed my confidence in their expertise and detailed information with their one to ones about my condition. I was invited back to that department the following morning, where I was processed for an operation to have my appendix removed. What could have been a shocking, scary and harrowing experience was made to feel comforting by the calm and reassuring words and manner of the staff there, particularly the surgeon who said she was part of the operating team and processed my paperwork and the nurse who led me into theatre with a comforting jovial approach to decrease my anxiety. (Sorry I can't remember everyone's name).

Particular praise goes to the student nurse who was with me in the anaesthetic room while I waited for the operation. We were there for approximately 20 minutes, at the start of which I became emotional and tearful at the thought of what was to come. Her subsequent manner and approach was so comforting and cheerful, while reassuring me of the standard procedure, that I stopped crying and we had a nice conversation to ease my nerves. When the time came for me to be put under anaesthetic, I was feeling more comfortable and relaxed about what was about to happen. She has an amazing attitude towards her patients and a bright career future ahead of her.

When I woke up after surgery, the lady that stayed with me for a while was also very supportive and very good at her job role. I was very confused about where I was and probably woke up a bit grumpy and she managed to change my mood around in a comforting way.

I was then put onto Ward C31, which had an excellent team working there. The nurses were so caring, lovely and attentive, especially with pain medication and putting me at ease. Particular mention goes to Paige, the HCA, who looked after me overnight, not just with regular checks but also nice conversations and a supportive attitude by assisting me to walk for the first time after my operation to the bathroom and checking on me occasionally. She was very jolly, professional and had an amazing personality and I wish her well in her career.

When I was ready to be discharged the following day, everyone involved was very efficient, friendly, straightforward and handled it in a swift and knowledgeable way that was extremely impressive. 

Considering I was only made aware of my Appendicitis on 19/01/22, for it to be diagnosed and concluded in a positive way by so many expert professionals within 48 hours, shows what a strong and amazing team there is across many departments at the Nottingham QMC hospital and how valuable and brilliant the NHS is as a whole.

Thank you so much.