"My autistic son had a lump removed"

On the 21st May, my 17 year old autistic son attended day surgery unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital to have a cyst removed from his left temple. Thankfully, everything went well so we are very pleased and all that now remains is for us to receive a report about the nature of the lump. Here are some key observations:

1) We were accompanied by Sarah Price the support worker both before and on the day, which was much appreciated.

2) The staff were lovely and did their best to accommodate my son and his special needs.

3) We had to wait 3hours and 40 minutes before my son had his operation. Though the sister on the ward explained why this was necessary, I think if my son had been younger and less understanding, the wait would have been fairly unbearable.

4) It was only by a chance conversation with the school nurse that I found out that hospital support workers existed.

5) There is still a communication gap between hospital staff and people who are not regular hospital patients, e.g. we were taken on the day ward and left in a cubicle with the curtains drawn. No explanation of whether we were to remain there or return to the waiting room where Sarah was. Was it ok for my son to lie on the bed? Would this be his bed afterwards? It can be very confusing.

I hope this is helpful.