"Hand Day Case Surgery"

I was impressed with the way i was dealt with in the outpatient department, but that's where it ends. On the day of my operation i arrived at the unit at 07:30, was booked in within an hour (not bad you may be saying to yourself), i did not go down for my op until 13:30 that afternoon. There was no communication as to the reasons for the delay, i found out later from listening to somebody else that they had 2 cases that morning that were more difficult than they originally expected. It would have been nice to be told that they were running late, i did not want intricate details. I had traveled for over an hour to get to my appointment on time, not having had a drink since 5:30 that morning. The operating staff were much better, however, during the operation, under local, as i laid there with my eyes shut for about 30 mins not one member of staff asked me if i was ok. Fortunately i had not passed out. After the op i was wheeled back to the recovery area, only to be told to get off the trolley and sit on the chair. I had my hand held above my head as my finger was bleeding, and a hospital gown that was not done up. No blanket was offered to me to cover myself, needless to say the porter saw more than what i wanted and probably what he wanted as well. As soon as i had finished my sandwich, it was made clear that i needed to go. Once again my dignity was ignored, i had to walk up a public corridor to the changing room trying to hold my finger up and hold my gown together at the same time. As a nurse my self my motto is 'treat people as you wish to be treated', i hope that i treat my patients with much more dignity and respect than what i received on my operation day. Come on nurse's Dignity and Respect should under pin all that we do.