"My first experience of being a patient"

I was recently admitted to Scunthorpe General Hospital following a fall in which I fractured my hip.

Never having been in hospital before I had no idea what to expect and was quite nervious.

The experience was as absolute revelation.

On arrival I was fast tracked into A & E where I was seen immediately.

Kind and helpful staff explained the tests I would undergo in preparation for possible surgery and all these tests were carried out quickly and painlessly before I was seen by a surgeon.

An operation was deemed necessary and was scheduled for the next day.

In the meantime I was kept extremely comfortable on Ward H with my daughters being allowed to stay with me.

Although a more urgent case meant that the operation was posponed by one day i did not matter.

I was kept well monitored and comfortable during the delay.

Following the operation I expected to be in a lot of pain, but not so.

This was carefully controlled and, unless I moved, I had no pain at all.

What pain I did feel when being moved or handled was absolutely minimal.

The day after the operation I was taught by physios to use a frame to walk and this was quickly replaced by walking sticks.

Having mastered this skill I was encouraged to use only one stick and taught how to get up and down stairs.

Three days after the operation I was walking confidently and with very little discomfort with the encouragement of the ever cheerful and helpful staff.

From the ward sister, nurses, auxiliaries and housekeepers I was treated at all times as a 'five star' patient, as was everyone else around me.

At times the staff were rushed off their feet but they never complained and the warm smiles never left their faces.

I, like many others, had read negative comments about this hospital and this is my chance to set the record straight.

Pre and post operation care was exemplary in every way.

A special thank you also to the catering department who offered good menu choices which were not bland massed produced meals but tasty, well seasoned dishes which I thoroughly enjoyed.

To sum up - Scunthorpe General Hospital got it absolutel right in every aspect of my care and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for making my stay nothing short of enjoyable!