"I needed to have a small operation ..."

What I liked

I needed to have a small operation under general anaesthic at Elmstead Day Unit. I was extremely anxious about this and have a real fear of anaesthetic. In the past I had a bad experience with anaesthic and was building my anxieties on this. My fear had become so bad that I felt that I couldn't go through with the operation although it really was in my interest and well being to have the operation. I contacted a nurse counsellor who talked through my worries and fears and she co-ordinated with the team on Elmstead Ward, I was contacted prior to my admission day that the staff were aware of my anxious state and would do all what they could to support me through the operation. The care, support and attitude of the staff and Doctors that I received was excellent. They listened to my fears, showed a great deal of kindness and understanding. I couldn't have gone through my procedure without their wonderful support and professonal approach to anxious patients. When I was recovering from the anaesthetic I had the opportunity to observe how the team worked on the unit, there was excellent communication, peer support and the team leader was extremely good at her job. Elmstead Day Unit demonstrate excellence in patient care. The Doctors were also brilliant and very approachable and again demonstrated excellent patient care. Thank you for making my visit as a day patient a very positive one, I now feel I may be able to have a different approach to my fears because of the care and experience I received.

What could be improved

Nothing, I received appropriate information and advice about my operation and when I expressed my fears, these were addressed in a very professional caring manner.