"Speed, efficiency, helpfulness......."

I arrived 10 minutes early, hoping to be seen on time - but not really expecting it.

Wow - dead on time, I saw the consultant.

They were friendly, courteous, willing to answer any question, and made me feel secure. They talked to me about my medications, told me the anaesthetist would answer other questions I had, then sent me to admissions.

The very helpful person there saw me immediately, read the form I handed over, apologised because the operation couldn't take place for at least 5 weeks, (explaining that trauma took precedence...which makes sense) and promised to get the pre-op assessment booked as soon as it could be.

They asked how I'd be situated if a cancellation came up, possibly at short notice.

I assured them that given 18 or so hours notice, I'd be there, as there was nothing that couldn't be cancelled, nothing in my life was more important than having this, for me, life-changing operation.

They said "Cancellations do sometimes happen" and I thanked them and left.

Everyone I spoke to was kind, supportive and polite. Two days later, two appointments came in the post - one for the pre-op assessment etc, the other a date for the operation.

Either I am particularly lucky - or this Hospital is really on top of things.

I have had similar operations in the past 10 years, at other hospitals in the S.E. and have always had to sit in waiting rooms - sometimes for hours; had operations cancelled at short notice, (it happens); and had to wait many many many months for a place on the operating list.

This is life in the English NHS - understaffing, frustration, and difficulty for staff.

Nothing That happened to me here could ever be complained about.

So far, so damn good!