"Mr Yuen and his team have given me back..."

What I liked

I have recently undergone catarct surgey at Stepping Hill. The qualified Nursing staff were excellent, efficient and inspired confidence in their abilities. The Nurse Manager, Sandra Tengue and staff were very supportive and went out of their way to provide an extremely good standard of care. fMr Yuen Consultant Opthalmologist has exceptionally good interpersonal skills. He was clear in his explanations of procedures and inspired total confidence in his abilities. His care and concern for me as a whole person was exceptional (I was not just an 'eye'.) He talked me through the procedure as he was doing it and this enabled me to feel less anxious about the local anaesthetic surgical procedure as I was fully involved in what was being done to me. Mr Yuen's outstanding cataract surgery has improved my failing vision from highly myopic -16 and -14 to -1 and he concurrently corrected astigmatism from 4 to 0.5. Instead of facing a future where I would be progressively losing my sight, for the very first time in my life I can open my eyes in the morning and see clearly without having to put on extremely thick and uncomfortable glasses!. This has always been my biggest 'dream' and Mr Yuen has made it a reality. I can see bees on flowers in my garden and enjoy the wonderful colours, shapes and textures in the world around me. I am eternally grateful for the sensitive care afforded me by Mr Yuen and his team of excellent nurses.

What could be improved

Waiting time between operations (14thAril to 20th July) was a very complex time as I could not wear glasses and had unbalanced vision.

Ambulance Service was dire - a separate formal complaint has been submitted to NW ambulance service.

District Nurse support was not provided despite a referralhaving been submitted by Stepping Hill - formal compliant has been submitted to Glossop and Tameside PCT

Anything else?

I am dismayed at the current news in the papers that cataract surgery and hip replacements are to be de-prioritised. Both of these procedures affect basic mobility and independence and enable people to live productive lives where they can contribute to society rather than be dependeant, disabled and in need of care, Cutting back on these services is extremely foolish!