"Salford Royal - The benchmark for other Hospitals"

I was attending Salford Royal following a referral from my GP. I knew this hospital had a good reputation but I was amazed to experience complete Perfection from the start. The car parking system worked well and I was parked up within 5 minutes. The hospital has changed considerably since I last visited in around 2009. What a transformation, it was already running well and now the buildings complement the existing high quality of service and professionalism from the staff. I asked a staff member who was patrolling the car park & grounds where G.I. Outpatients was located, he was knowledgeable, friendly and accurate, a great welcome too. I walked through the futuristic, immaculate and well signposted corridors and found the department I was looking for. I was 5 minutes early for my 3pm appointment, and to be honest expected a 40 -60 minute wait (which has been my experience with other hospitals) but no, I was called for on time, weighed and whisked to the consultant. This doctor/surgeon was fantastic in his approach, listened to my history and acknowledged my descriptions (rather than remaining stoney-faced (such as other hospitals and GP's I've visited), I gave as much information to him as possible and he continued to take notes, he'd also introduced himself and had obviously read my notes prior to me entering the room, which I so much appreciated. He then immediately came up with an action plan which he explained really well and with complete confidence. His manner and professionalism gave me renewed belief that my 2yr problem may at last be fixed now that I am at a hospital which I'd heard was excellent. After a few more questions from the Cconsultant, he politely wrapped things up and summarised the whole assessment for me, which was great as he hadn't missed anything out and it helped me remember what was going to happen. He then passed me a slip of paper with a barcode on and asked me to go to Endoscopy and hand it in. After thanking the Consultant I left the room and the kind nurses asked if I was alright, I replied "Yes fine thanks" and they asked me If i knew where I was going next, I didn't, and one of the nurses escorted me up to Endoscopy, where I was met with another smiley face who booked me in for the procedure. Again the waiting area was clean and tidy and there's a definite air of quality and professionalism within the whole complex. I was booked in for a fortnight's time and left feeling better than I have for a long time because I had been treated so well and really feel and felt that at last someone cares and is going to help me get my problem fixed. This hospital has always had a great reputation, but it's only when you experience it yourself that you realise how far short of the mark other hospitals in the North West are from Salford Royal. A massive thank you to everyone involved in my visit to Salford Royal and I wish you all continued success in the future. SR