"An enjoyable Arthroscopy"

Anything else?

I attended Halton hospital (The New Building) as a day patient on Wed 2nd Aug 2013 for an Arthroscopy.I arrived early @ 0630hrs as I am uncertain of the Runcorn area. I walked in and spoke to the Reception chap apologising for the early hour,he smiled, put me at ease and showed me to a seat and said I will come and tell you when it's time to go up to the reception on the 2nd floor.I was taken upstairs @ 0700hrs, my details taken and escorted to the ward whereupon I was welcomed by several of the auxiliary and Nursing staff, given a gown etc.,etc and asked to change in readiness for the days proceedings.My details were checked and rechecked, blood pressure pulse,temperature etc, noted and recorded,wrist ID fitted,all the time cross checking the information.The Surgeon came in explained everything in detail about the procedure asked me to sign a consent form and did I have any questions or concerns that I would like answering,The Anesthetist then came in and took me through his part in the procedure carefully explaining what would be happening prior to, during and after the procedure and then asked me if I had any questions or concerns. The physiotherapist came in to take me through the walking aids (if required) and post op exercises reccommended along with a brochure to use as a crib sheet at home.A very polite porter came for me and took me to the theatre in a wheelchair ,where I was greeted by Theatre staff who then proceeded to check the consent form and other paperwork against the wristband and the arrow on my leg confirming the knee to be operated on, Only when they were satisfied all was in order was I taken into the operating room where I again spoke to the Anesthetist who talked to me whilst other technicians went about their duties.I woke up, I guess in the recovery room and was then transferred back to the day ward where I was welcomed by the staff who made me comfortable and then after a short period offered a drink and was then revisited by the physiotherapist who satisfied herself that I could raise my leg,etc,etc.Then about 5pm I was offered fish,chips and mushy peas which were lovely, after what seemedto be the mandatory period of time after an anesthetic and/ or procedure I was allowed to leave but not before the Unit Nurse went through the patient discharge checklist with me.What a team The lasting impression of your hospital is that from the time I walked in and spoke to the main reception chap and all the other people I have mentioned throughout my day I was treated with dignity and respect by a professional team of people who know their job and do their job in a systematic way so as to design out any potential risks. My son picked me up at the main entrance and asked me "Is this a private hospital Dad ?,I looked back and said "No, I think it's better than that !!!!!. Thank you Halton. A.Clark