"Outpatient Appointments, Vascular Surgery"

My husband recently had a mild heart attack and was admitted to the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch. Three days after discharge he visited out GP about a pain he had endured in his right leg for 3 years and was immediately referred for an X-ray with suspected athritis. Three days later he was called to attend Worcester General Hospital for an urgent scan which revealed a significant aneurysm at the back of his right knee requiring urgent surgery.

The Registrar explained that there would need to be a risk assessment in conjunction with Anaesthetic and Cardiology colleagues due to the cardiac risks during surgery. A few days later I had a conversation with the Vascular Surgeon's Medical Secretary to inform them that my husband had undergone an MRI of his leg and heart echo so that the results of these investigations could be communicated to the Surgeon. Our anxiety was picked up from this conversation and we received a call the same day with an appointment to see the Surgeon the following week.

At the appointment we were given a full explanation of what would happen during surgery, the risks of operating too soon following his heart attack and a date for admission. Although he is having to wait for another five weeks, we have been reassured by the competent manner in which our anxieties have been dealt with.

Having worked in the NHS for 38 years as a Senior Manager I am aware that communication is often what lets the NHS and is a common thread in most complaints. However, in this instance we are more than satisfied. Well done to all the staff involved

Sonographers, Outpatients, Consultant and Medical Secretary.