"A extremely reassuring experience at the DGH,..."

My GP referred me to the DGH Ophthalmology Dept where I was seen. The whole experience - my first visit to the DGH since I moved to Eastbourne - was conducted efficiently and with dignity and I was impressed with what I saw of the hospital as a whole. The premises were very clean including the bathrooms and, importantly for me, the signage was top notch. Hospitals and clinics often suffer from excessive signage, creating a jumble of too much information that inevitably leads to confusion. The DGH appears to have got it just right - clear and succinct. My treatment was excellent. I felt I wasn't pressurised to get it all over with quickly, as I often feel with the GP 10 minute slots allocated to patients. Here the consultant was keen to get to the bottom of my problem and I really appreciated this. I should also add that the nurse performing the pre consultation tests performed their duties with professionalism and friendy efficiency. I felt I was in very safe hands throughout. Whist waiting for my wife, I had a good hour afterwards in the main reception area and had a chance to note the comings and goings of what is apparently a busy hospital. In doing so, I noted the high level of cleanliness and it was a tidy environment - no stray trolleys and supply packaging lying around which often beset hospitals. The management appeared to be on top of things. There is a good choice of outlets - cafe, postbox, supplies shop, flowers etc . So just to summarise - a very pleasant experience and I am immensely grateful to the staff of the DGH for their expertise and diligence. A real credit to the NHS. Happily reasonably good health means I visit hospitals rarely and when I have to, I have done so with a certain degree of trepidation. My recent contact with the DGH, Eastbourne has done much to allay any fears I have if I need to visit again. Thank you.