"Ward 31, LGH"

I was admitted to LGH on 11th Jan for a total abdominal hysterectomy. The staff on the admitting ward, ward 11, were excellent. I was first on the theatre list, saw my Consultant & Anaesthetist promptly and I was taken down to theatre at 8.20. The HCA who accompanied me to theatre was excellent, they could see I was nervous and talked to me the whole time. It was great distraction therapy for me, all I can say is - they were & are fantastic. Once in theatres the anaesthetic team were equally as wonderful. Whilst being efficient and getting me prepared they also could see my nerves and dealt with it in a caring & kind way - I felt I was in safe hands. In what felt like no time the team were bringing me around - the recovery team were brilliant. I felt looked after, safe and at all times they looked after me like I was only the patient there. The Anaesthetist and their team were amazing.

I was then transferred to ward 31 and I really cannot compliment the team enough. I was cared for in bay 4 for the duration of my stay. The team that looked after me were consistent each day - really important for patient care. Every step of the journey was explained, my pain was controlled and on the first day post op the team were always checking me, doings observations and making sure I was ok. The next day the team got me out of bed and on the road to recovery.

The HCA team are a real asset of the ward and I cannot speak highly enough of them. Being a patient is a very vulnerable and frightening experience - they got me through all the basics of removing catheters, drains etc and getting me to shower and walk for the first time. My dignity was never compromised and everyone spoke to me in a caring and considerate way. The staff caring for me even came to say goodbye before they went home and one member of staff came back to see me and another patient as they were working in the gynae pre op area on the day I was being discharged. I was touched and really pleased with such a lovely gesture.

I also want to thank the catering team who worked so hard for us all, I see so many reviews of bad food. I have to say I ate the food, it was not bad and I take my hat off to the teams that try to feed the number of patients and staff they do on a daily basis. All I can say is well done.

Ward 31 is a well run, efficient and effective ward. I witnessed great examples of care in my bay and when I was able to walk around. The medical team were excellent, I never felt any of us were vulnerable even on the junior doctor strike day.

My experience was extremely positive in what was a worrying time. I had several phone calls from family - each time the nurses came to tell me and pass on messages. This ward and their team including the student nurses are an asset to UHL. I appreciate the NHS is even more now and realise how lucky I am to be able to use the NHS.