"Good quality hospital with caring and competent..."

I'd never been taken to hospital before and therefore had no basis for comparison in terms of expectation, however I did have a mix of hopes and fears based on the many NHS anecdotes you hear that both compliment and condemn these hospitals.

I must admit I had an incident with the receptionists in which they were apathetic and turned me away from A & E when I needed treatment. I later returned in an ambulance instead of on my feet, so I advise you to be very demanding if they turn you away whilst you are in desperate need of treatment. The 3 receptionists are the only negative aspect to my experience at this hospital though.

All other members of staff were outstanding, competent and caring.

The hospital was very clean, I didn't have to wait long at all for an available bed and they communicated with me constantly. When I asked for reassurance they provided it. The nurses were very non-judgmental and gave me lots of advice while asking for confirmation that I consented to whatever action they needed to take.

I felt looked after and I was - they took full responsibility for me.

Food was provided and hot drinks were offered, which is important when you stay overnight, so our basic needs were met very well too.

It's abundantly clear the hospital works to very high standards and the staff should be thanked for their selfless work because they made a fundamentally unpleasant experience as painless as it could be.