"The staff were all very caring"

I attended for minor surgery and on the whole my care was fantastic. The staff work within the physical limitations of the department, so having to sit in a dressing gown with a patient of the opposite sex was a little awkward, but was not the fault of the staff. The CSW who admitted me was a little uncommunicative, but I put that down to the fact that she knew I was a nurse myself so felt a little awkward. The letter asked me to be there for 12, but I wasn't updated about the delay of over 60 minutes which was a little frustrating, but was one of only two aspects that I felt could be improved. the reception staff were very friendly and professional, and again were working within the physical limitations, so when checking details there was no facility to do so privately, however the receptionist did her best to maintain some privacy. She was welcoming, polite and very professional. The in and out of the pre-op part (obs, consent etc) was also a bit frustrating but again staff were working within the physical limitations of the department. The theatre staff were absolutely fantastic - an odp and a sister along with the surgeon - all three a wonderful example of how superb the nhs can be. throughout the operation they made me feel at ease and comfortable and made me feel totally in control of how the op progressed, giving me the opportunity to move position whenever I needed to. Recovery was a quick process, with excellent care from all the staff. They were friendly and made me feel totally at ease. a welcome plate of toast and tea is such a small thing but so important. staff were constantly chatting to me and allowed me to lead my discharge at my pace - at no point did I feel rushed out of the department.

No one is perfect, and there were aspects that could be improved - someone just coming and telling us in the waiting area there was a delay, and perhaps addressing the problem of having to sit in a very small waiting area in your dressing gown - but the staff were all very caring and helpful, and I observed them being the same with every single patient. They had to deal with quite a few surgeons and many patients, but throughout the process it was done politely, professionally and in a lovely friendly way. 10 out of 10!