"Dickens Ward- shoulder surgery October 2015"

I had shoulder surgery last week and had been informed that it would require an overnight stay. My previous surgeries had been done on a day patient basis so this was my first overnight.

I had been nervous about an overnight stay and was relieved to be given a side room to myself. The room itself was fine, the bed was extremely comfortable and the food was amazing!

There was a menu but you did not have to choose the day before. The staff came around and dished it up for you there rather than it having been plated up in the kitchen. The quality of the food was superb, the quantity was just right and the choice was great. Having not eaten for 24 hours I really enjoyed my dinner. I also had breakfast and lunch the next day. My compliments to the chefs!

Prior to my surgery I saw the nurse and the anaesthetist as usual. I would like to give special mention to the staff nurse as they helped me to get those green compression stockings on - very difficult to manage when you're in so much pain so their help was much appreciated.

My surgery went well and I spent a comfortable night. I saw the consultant again that night. I saw the physio the next morning who gave me a booklet which explained the surgery and contained some exercises.

I only have 2 small negative comments to make: 1) I do not understand why I needed to stay overnight; and 2) the discharge procedure was painfully slow. I was prescribed some painkillers to take home. Ashford hospital didn't have any so they had to come from St Peter's. I was surprised that Ashford would not carry such common painkillers in their pharmacy as they're fairly standard post operative painkillers.

Minor niggles but frustrating as I was taking up a bed that I didn't need.

Apart from that I would recommend the staff, the food, the care, the cleanliness and the help I was given whilst I was there.

Thank you very much.