"Total Hysterectomy Dec 2014"

I had a total hysterectomy in December 2014. My treatment involved pre op clinic appointments, surgery and 5 days on Gynae Ward One. I can't fault the treatment I had. Pre Op clinic appointments went well apart from the first appointment when a lady telephoned and said they'd had a cancellation and could I be there for 12.30 on the Friday that week. I got there a few minutes early to be told my appointment was 12 o'clock and I'd been noted down as not attending. I had not received a letter between the phone call and the Friday morning but when it did arrive it said 12.30. My Consultant kindly let me see him when I explained what had happened. I arrived just after 7am on the morning of the operation. I was at first surprised that my husband was not allowed to stay with me but I wasn't nervous anyway, so this didn't concern me. I went to Theatre at around 10am and was impressed by the team there. They were very professional, kind and reassuring. One of them held my hand just as I was going to sleep under the anaesthetic. I was placed in HDU on the Gynae ward for 24 hours for observation due to another issue but everything was fine. I was then given my own room and felt like a private patient. The nursing care was excellent. Professional, compassionate and very attentive. The ward was always quiet and I was able to sleep. My room was at the end of the ward but I never felt forgotten. The nurses regularly came to check if I was ok or needed anything. There were very regular offers for drinks, much more than I have ever experienced in other hospitals. My Consultant came to see me nearly every day, one day twice. I was very impressed with this. He always took the time to answer any concerns or questions I had and didn't appear to be in hurry. He's obviously a very busy man. All the areas of the hospital I attended were always immaculately clean. The food was tasty although I only had a very small appetite following the operation. I've made a great recovery from this major operation. I was able to walk around upright within two days and have been very active since the second week, once all the trapped gas in my abdomen dissipated. My surgeon did an amazing job and everything went well in Theatre. I received two follow up calls. One I missed - out socialising, but an answerphone message was left with contact details. The second one was a couple of days later. I could have had this operation at my local hospital but I am so glad I chose to have it at the Liverpool Women's. This hospital has an excellent reputation and deserves it. The team who were involved in my attendance deserve the best of thanks and respect. They are a credit to the NHS. We are very blessed to have such a great hospital on our doorstep. Well Done xx