"John Ray Ward"

I arrived at 7am for my total knee replacement and for the next 5days I felt safe and well cared for. I was kept informed during each step of the operation process, from the getting ready for, the during (I had op with nerve & spinal blocks-highly recommended) and during the start of my recovery. I found that all the staff to be efficient, professional and very caring. The food, well I congratulate whoever has masterminded this facet of Broomfield. Everything I ate was well cooked, there was a great selection and meals were well presented and hot. The only negative for me, even from someone who loves tasty food was that the portions are very large. I know you can eat and leave what you want, but there's an awful lot of waste and therefore wasted money. I was treated with kindness and dignity for the whole of my stay. The catering girls and cleaning staff went about their duties but always with a smile. The ward staff, well, it soon becomes apparent how hard they all work and their long hours but this never got in the way of the care I received. We can only speak as we find and on this occasion (long may it last please), I recommend John Ray Ward and Broomfield Hospital. While I am here, is there anything that could be done about the situation regarding people smoking outside the hospital. I respect peoples right to smoke but object to having to walk through clouds of their smoke to get inside the hospital. I saw a young Mum waiting with her newborn baby for transport just outside the Main entrance doors and they were surrounded by smokers! There is a huge notice saying No Smoking on hospital grounds but it seems like the covered canopy, the low wall by the multi storey car park with a bin provided all encourage smoking in this area. Even with this niggle, this doesn't detract from my experience of my stay in Broomfield - Thank You