"Orthopaedics"

There was lack of communication in this department. I was told to attend at 12 midday for 4hrs for a Carpel Tunnel operation. I was not told that the bulk of that time would be waiting to have my operation which did not take place until 2.45pm. Despite being very apprehensive, no-one put my mind at ease and I waited alone for this time. I asked for a certificate for work and it was left for the doctor to sign but when I went to collect it at discharge, it had disappeared and another had to be written. During the surgery, the doctor did explain clearly the procedure but the nurse, who wasn't english, stood by my side and did very little to calm my nerves or take my mind off my worries. After the operation, I had to continuously ask what the next step was and if I could leave. The sister who discharged me gave me conflicting information to the doctor's and I was told he hadn't written me up for this. Then a nurse arrived with my notes! I was being discharged with someone elses! The excuse was how busy she had been. The new nurse then told me I would return to the hospital for the stitches to be removed and a follow up appointment. A phone call from the hospital after I had arrived home explained that this was completely wrong - my stitches were to be taken out at the local surgery and there was no follow up appointment. I was very confused and wonder how I am supposed to know about having the other hand operated on? Doesn't really matter as I do not wish to return to Hinchinbrooke for this.