"I went into Lewisham for elective ..."

What I liked

I went into Lewisham for elective hernia repair surgery as a day case in the Sapphire treatment centre. The staff were overall helpful, respectful and aware of my needs.

Just prior to my surgery, I was quite nervous of having an general anaesthetic, and felt agitated about it. The anaesthetist and surgery staff picked up on that and quickly calmed my nerves and were very good at putting me at ease.

What could be improved

Afterwards in recovery, my partner came to find me in the day ward. He was not expecting to see me with a drip etc, and consequently he was a bit shocked- and fainted!

We did try to get the attention of a nurse to help him onto a chair etc, as I was unable to do anything having just had an operation. No nurse s responded despite our requests for help.

Later in the recovery ward prior to my discharge, a health care assistant was quite rude to us when trying to get us to hurry up and our of the bed area. I was unable to go very fast as I was still recovering. I think she was under pressure of time etc, and later the discharge staff were very helpful. Her approach was quite a shock though.

Anything else?

Overall my experience of the day surgery centre and staff was very positive. I was nervous of surgery and my fears were addressed well by the staff present, and I felt that my treatment in recovery was on the whole very good.

I was concerned about infection at the hospital, but saw evidence of hygiene measures etc in place that were reassuring.