"This was my third operation at ..."

What I liked

This was my third operation at a Wirral Hospital and the second at Clatterbridge. On both occasions as an in-patient at Clatterbridge on ward M1, I found all of the staff to be extremely friendly, helpful and polite. The standard of nursing and cleanliness was excellent at all times and the cleaning staff again were friendly and conscientious. The food was edible, good choice of food and ample portions. I found all the staff approachable from the nursing staff to the consultant and registrar responsible for my care.

What could be improved

The discharge process involving liaison between two different health authorities was unnecessarily problematic and from being declared fit for discharge, it took 3 days to organise the OT equipment required to be installed at home and subsequently this was only resolved when my husband went to collect the equipment himself from Sefton storage warehouse and put it in place at home. Unfortunately with this being on a Friday there was no ambulance available to take me home until the following Monday. Being non-weightbearing and having already spent an extended period in hospital ,my family arranged to take me home from hospital but had to carry me indoors themselves. Prior to admission and already having anticipated difficulties liaising with two different health authorities, I had already made contact with Sefton and obtained the details required to organise equipment etc; and provided these to the OT department on my admission to Clatterbridge in order that arrangments could be made asap. This was not acted upon until the point of discharge and consequently this resulted in a delayed and somewhat distressing discharge for myself and my family. I have made the OT department aware of my concerns.

Anything else?

Apart from the discharge issue already noted, I have nothing but praise for all the care and support I received as an inpatient and continue to receive as an outpatient at Arrowe Park.I would have no hesitation in recommending both of the Wirral Hospitals to anyone needing NHS services.