"Excellent care on Day Care Unit and Ward 2 "

So many positives, where to start! All members of staff were kind, courteous, respectful and professional. The basics were in place such having everything fully explained in a calm setting while on the Day Unit prior to the gyny operation. On Ward 2, being in a comfortable bed with 2 pillows and with controls I could operate myself so not needing to trouble a nurse. I am coeliac and there were no problems with provision of gf food. The ward was noisy at night due to new admissions - no-ones fault - but being brought a cup of decaffinated tea at 1 30am made all the difference - I really appreciated this kindness. And the bathrooms and the ward were clean. I was in another local hospital last year, in the same Trust and my experience was negative. For example, when I was allowed to eat after being nil by mouth for 5 days, there was no gf food to be had and when I inquired, one of the group of nurses at the nurses station commented "This is the NHS you know" as if I was expecting something totally unreasonable. This and a number of other issues also contributed to my anxiety about being a patient again but Good Hope Hospital, the way it is run, the professionalism of the staff, and the standard of care were all very, very different and I am sure the wonderful practice in Good Hope has contributed to my speedy recovery. The nurses were very busy but I felt that during any interaction they were focussed on the patient's wellbeing.

One or two suggestions

- perhaps if the prescribed meds could be expedited, patients ready for discharge could leave the hospital earlier in the day freeing up a bed a few hours earlier rather than late afternoon. I felt so sorry for patients who had been waiting in A& E in uncomfortable circumstances.

- I have learned the cost of the injections I was sent home with (eye wateringly expensive) - I know doctors are anxious to avoid patients suffering dvts but I was mobile in hospital and have been very mobile since returning home. No more inactive than if I'd had a slight dose of flu. It seems terrible that the remaining injections ( I haven't used them all) can't be returned and have to be disposed of. Interestingly last year I was of necessity very immobile during the hospital stay previously referred to, yet was sent home with fewer injections

- I got information from the internet but it would be helpful if a leaflet could be given to patients setting out what to expect after the operation, how quickly I could return to activities etc. Some other hospitals have this. I was a bit surprised in the circumstances to receive a glossy brochure about the Platinum Celebrations, which I think had been prepared inhouse.

- There was confusion when I was about to leave as urine hadn't been measured and apparently should have been ( I had not had a catheter). Perhaps student nurses need a checklist to follow so things like this don't get missed.

Thank you all so much