"I September i was crippled with pain in..."

What I liked

I September i was crippled with pain in my chest and was rushed to hospital to find out after a scan that i had gallstones. My GP advised that my gallbladder be removed. I had my name down for Chorley Hospital and 2 weeks later got a letter saying I had been put on the waiting list for Consultant- a specialist in Laparascopic Colycystectomy (gallbladder removal). I went for a consultation at their clinic in Chorley Hospital, and I can honestly say it was the best hospital experience i have ever had! Everything was so organised, like clockwork. The staff were all friendly and helpful, all of my instructions were clear and i was sent for blood tests, mrsa swabs and a health screening! All depts were clean and tidy and all staff were so cheery and helpful. 3 weeks later i had a date for surgery and I had a pre-op on the wednesday...another good experience at Chorley, not one bad word to say... then the op was saturday 6th nov. I had to get there at 7.30am, and was a bit gutted thinking i'd be sat there all day, but hadnt even been there a minute and was shown to my new bed for the day, a nurse came and took all my observations and i was gowned and stockinged up within the hour! The surgeon and anaethnetist came to see me also and had a good chat to me,the Consultant was very nice, very friendly and reassuring, I even joked with them saying i hoped they weren't hung over as i didnt want any mishaps! They showed me their hands- steady as a rock! I was very confident about the operation and felt that this meet and greet type service definately goes above and beyond their role as a surgeon. All went well and the Consultant even visited me for a chat on the ward later on, the staff nurse on Winstanley ward was great, fantastic at their job+ the auxillary nurse needs a pay rise they were fantastic, nothing too much trouble for any of them. Cannot reccommend Chorley Hospital highly enough, the staff are gr8 and i didnt want to leave!

What could be improved

Nothing at all!!!

Anything else?

Staff couldnt have been more helpful, they all went above and beyond their call of duty regardless of their job title- the surgeon, staff nurses, auxies, cleaners, caterers, even the hospital radio staff, all were fantastic, a real credit to the hospital. I am not from the immediate area and have had a few awful hospital experiences- i was actually gutted to find out i had to have an op, not because of the op, but the thought that i had to go into an awful hospital, i usually use a different hospital more local to me, however by chance i couldnt get an appointment there and had to choose Chorley.....It seems more like fate now!!! I will use Chorley again in the future should i ever need hospital tratment as it has left such a fantastic impression upon me. It really is a great hospital and my 2 days there were a bit of a girlie slumber party on the ward with a great bunch of post-op women and superb staff.