"I was treated by the plastics ..."

What I liked

I was treated by the plastics team for a wrist injury and was placed on the Ross Tilley ward. I found all the staff that I interacted with to be highly competent at their jobs, and most of them were also wonderfully warm, friendly and comforting when I was going through some considerable emotional trauma.

I was kept up to date with my progress and procedures were thoroughly explained to me, with enough time for me to ask questions.

The ward was pleasant and well-lit with good shower and toilet facilities very easily accesible, as well as an open garden nearby.

My operation was carried out well and my scar looks to be coming along wonderfully.

What could be improved

The only thing was that my operation was around 3 hours delayed. This meant I was not taken into theatre until after visiting hours, whereas I had anticipated that, had my original theatre appointment of 6.30 been upheld, I would have been out of theatre in time to recuperate with my loved ones before the end of visiting time.

I appreciate that my operation was pushed back because of other emergency cases coming in, but I was not kept up to date as often as I would have hoped, with the result being that I felt a little forgotten!

In addition, as I was nil-by-mouth, this also meant I went an exceedingly long time - well above the recommended 6 hours - without any food or drink! It is my understanding that nil-by-mouth patients can drink water for the first 4 hours of the 6-hour pre-operative period, yet I was not offered any, which would have been much appreciated!

Anything else?

Overall I was very impressed with the staff and the way I was treated. I was made to feel important and was treated with efficient and compassionate care.