"Exceptional quality of care!"

This is a very long review but I really wanted to give me honest feedback on my experiences at Hexham General Hospital. Back in 2008 I attended the Accident and Emergency department accompanied by my husband who drove me there. I was in agony with pains in my stomach and really worried about what could be wrong with me as I had just had a baby a month previously. I was given a preliminary diagnosis that night. Due to some issues with my GP, not a lot was sorted out over the next few months I was in A&E at least four times per week being given IV medication and painkillers. The doctors at Hexham were amazing, liaising with my GP and the surgeon and I eventually had an operation to sort out my problem. Within a few months of the operation I ended up with another stomach condition which required me to be on quite a lot of painkillers at home. On occasion these would not work and I had to go into A&E for IV medications. This went on for around three years, in and out of the department sometimes twice a week during bad periods and flare-ups. On a few occasions I was kept in overnight and sent up to ward two. During all of this the staff at Hexham hospital were outstanding! Everyone from doctors, nurses and health care assistants to porters, cleaners and admin staff were just faultless in their roles. I was always made to feel cared for and in no way was I ever made to feel like a nuisance (even on my 20th visit in one month, and I felt terrible bothering them so much!) Everyone was so kind, compassionate, considerate and knowledgeable and I was always treated with dignity and respect. The staff did everything they could to make me comfortable and treated my husband just as well as a patient. If I needed anything a member of staff would do anything they could to accommodate me, whether that was using a telephone or a porter taking me out in a wheelchair for some fresh air. When you're waiting to be seen it can seem like a very long time when you're in pain, but we've never had to wait more than an hour and a half to be seen, no matter if it were day or night. The waiting room has plenty of seating, a few drinks and snack machines and a lot of reading material to suit all tastes. There is also a toilet with disabled access in the waiting area which is fantastic as you don't want to miss being called. The whole hospital was spotless and everyone dressed impeccably. The hospital is so light and airy with beautiful design and stunning artwork adorning the walls. It doesn't have that awful "hospital smell" either! The outdoor areas are kept clean and tidy and the gardens well looked after. There is loads of parking space and a drop off/pick up area at the main entrance which is fantastic. Parking charges are very fair! As a family we have visited a lot over the last few years for various reasons so all in all I would recommend this hospital to everyone. Thank you so much to all of the staff at Hexham General. You're all fantastic!