"Cardiac Surgery for Son"

Our Son was on the Cardiac Surgery list from December 2016. His surgery took place in April following three cancellations.

Thankfully the surgery went very well and his recovery has been good. He did not die or become brain damaged, both awful risks at the back of our minds. What a relief.

The waiting was very difficult and the cancelled operations most distressing. I felt, on reflection that had we been advised to expect cancellations we could have coped better, psychologically. The best way to cope in the end was simply to let go of all the frustration and disappointment and try not to expect anything.

Once at the Hospital, there was no room for us at McDonnald House, but I was glad to see there was a bed on the ward; following my Son's surgery. I managed to find a launderette in Old Swan which was very useful and if things weren't quite dry I could use the car as a 'clothes airer'!

I was sad to see there is no longer a Hospital Chapel in the new building, but grateful for the Bibles in the Sanctuary; reading the Psalms as my Son was undergoing surgery helped me to keep my head together and accept the frightening situation, it really calmed me down and cheered me up.

The cleaning staff were helpful and friendly and worked really hard. The nurses were likewise very nice. The doctors were professional. The anaesthetist was very nice. The catering staff were kind and helpful but I would like their managers to ensure they get a day off if they have a cold as some were sniffing and perhaps they aren't in a position where they are able to take time off easily, which would affect staff morale, so I hope the managers make sure the catering staff are complimented for their hard work and not in a position where they daren't call in sick.

The cardiology clinic is Ok, but is shared with the eye clinic and some of the grammar on the eye clinic door is incorrect, there is an incorrect apostrophe. They could also do with some more seating in the waiting area.

The hospital really needs a barrier between the atrium and the area for blood tests; the place is too noisy to hear one's name being called because it's such an open space. Not good for people with hearing loss. It also needs more seating.

The volunteers are super, especially one person. This volunteer was an absolute star; very friendly and she gave my son loads of Easter Eggs.

The Easter Bunny's visit was also super.

Some young cardiac nurses moved my son by lifting him up the bed by his arms. I have since found out this puts a lot of stress on the sternum following cardiac surgery, so it's something to watch out for and avoid. There were other nurses who moved him differently by getting him to push with his legs and hold a folded towel to his chest, this seemed to be a good technique.