"Post-operative and discharge procedures..."

What I liked

The intense and thorough pre-op assessment prior to admittance.

On the day of my operation the procedure was faultless. A very competent and confidence inspiring anaesthetist and surgeon and It was reassuring to know that the consultant to whom I had been referred was actually performing my operation. An explanation was given in detail of what was going to happen to me, together with an opportunity to ask relevant questions.

What could be improved

The ward was seriously understaffed and an empty post-operative drip was not removed for many hours the day following my operation, despite many promises to do so. This caused

unnecessary mobility problems and I could not wash or visit the toilet. The poor nurses just had too much else to do.

A patient in the opposite bed collapsed and it was ages before we patients could alert a nurse to deal with the problem.

An equally busy doctor could not come to the ward to sign discharge forms so people were waiting around for hours waiting to go home. Eventually, a nurse promised that my discharge form would be posted to me because she couldn't get a doctor. It still has not arrived one week later and I only had very brief post-operative recovery instruction.

The staff were polite and cheerful despite their heavy workload.ReferralsOpening hoursProfessionalismReassuringStaffing LevelSignsToiletsWardWashroomAnaesthetistsConsultantsDoctorsNursing staffSurgeonsDischarge processCheerful