"Children's Day Surgery/Outpatients"

Our learning disabled son is phobic about medical procedures and was due to have a second attempt at an operation in June last year - a previous attempt at another hospital having been called off as he was too terrified. The staff in the Princess Royal in Telford were fantastic with our son, working with us to try to overcome his fears and giving him preparatory tours of the ward, explaining what would go on on the day and allowing him to borrow a gas mask to practice with. They treated him with great care and kindness at all times. When he had a sudden panic the day before the operation they willingly allowed him to have an unscheduled visit to the ward to set his mind at rest. On the day of the operation they were respectful of his wishes, kept to the arrangements which had been planned with him and ensured he felt reassured and confident at each stage of the proceedings. We have huge respect for the whole team of staff - the consultant, the anesthetist and all the nursing staff who dealt with the situation in such a caring fashion and so professionally. Our thanks to them all - we could not have asked for better care for our son.