"How a hospital should be....thanks to everyone"

I attended Pontefract on Tuesday 16th June for a shoulder operation. From the moment I arrived I was overwhelmed by the staff I encountered. I had no paperwork as was a last minute patient. Whilst in the main atrium someone approached me and kindly escorted me to the day surgery area. I later found this to be a surgeon. They did not have to do this and set the tone for the rest of the day. The day surgery was not open but there were plenty of people queuing. The receptionist arrived early, completely calm and allowed everyone access booking them in with extreme efficiency and politeness. I cannot express how calming this was. Within a few minutes I was taken through by my nurse, who explained what would happen, who I would see and what I needed to do if I needed anything. Shortly after the anaesthetist sat down with me and went through everything in detail. This was my first operation and again their calming manner eased my worries. I then saw a physiotherapist who explained what I would need to do afterwards exercise wise, before my nurse again went through some paperwork with me in a very relaxed and informal manner. Nothing felt too much. I was visited by my surgeon who treated me like an old friend and I have to say went over and above what they needed to do. Again explaining everything. By chance I saw the surgeon who had earlier pointed me in the right direction who took the time to come over and say hello, they did not have to do that but I appreciated it. When taken to surgery the staff who accompanied me could clearly see I was nervous and their calm professional sympathetic manner helped so much. Once in theatre the anaesthetist talked me through everything until I calmly drifted to sleep. When I awoke there was a member of staff in recovery by my side who calmly chatted to me and brought me round. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Once back on the ward I was obviously groggy and during the next few hours saw several different nurses whose names I am sorry I cannot recall. I do wish to thank them so much though as their care over the next few hours was impeccable. My recovery was slower than expected and it looked like I may have to stay in overnight. I had concerns which they listened to and clearly understood doing everything they could to allow my discharge whilst always putting my safety first I knew that. I was visited by the surgeon again and by the anaesthetist again something I wasn't expecting. Over the next few hours the staff got me to a condition where I could be discharged. During this time they were attentive, sympathetic, caring, professional and understanding. It is down to them I recovered so quickly. The following day I even received a phone call from one of the nurses to check on me as well as the physiotherapist. I cannot praise the hospital and all its staff enough and want to thank everyone involved. I know they will see it as just doing their job but to my family and I It was so much more. Thank you all.