"I was admitted for a planned operation, ..."

What I liked

I was admitted for a planned operation, this was my first stay in hospital since 2000 and I was astounded by the difference in the experience. Admission to the ward was quick and efficient, the ward was spotlessly clean and comfortable, and staffed by friendly staff who spared no effort to ensure I had everything I needed. The following morning I was visited at my bedside by both the surgeon and the anesthetist who explained the procedures and gave me time to ask any questions and voice any concerns. I was left feeling relaxed and confident that I was in good hands and was taken to theatre by a nurse from the ward and was glad to see the anaesthetist I had seen earlier that morning.

Following the operation I was collected again by a nurse I knew and taken back to the ward, where the staff once again spared no effort to make sure I was comfortable. I was allowed to make the decisions about how I would be most comfortable under the supervision and advice of the nursing staff without feeling nagged. The nursing staff made themselves available for any problems I experienced and I never had to go looking for a member of staff. Nurses would happily help patients even if they were working on a different bay. Later that evening I was again seen by the surgeon, who explained how things went and again answered my questions and concerns.

The following Day I was seen by the physiotherapy department and discharged, in the same friendly and efficient manner.

I hate to be ill, and hate to be in hospital but all things considered, this experience was made as pleasant as it could possibly have been the all of the QVH staff. The people involved in my care should be highly commended, I find it amazing that a free national health service could offer such an exceptional service. Thank-you all.