"Absolutely awesome"

I received my appointment to have my Carpals tunnel operation at St Albans City Hospital  recently. I was asked to present myself at 12.30pm. I took with me my Kindle, pre-loaded with dozens of books, two audio books - one of 19+ hours and the other of 11+ and various other mind occupying accoutrements. I know how this works, I was hopeful I'd be home in time to wrap the Christmas presents. 

I arrived at the bright, clean and airy hospital and settled down in the waiting room. I was 88% through my book and thought I'd get it finished any minute. I didn't have time to wake the kindle up, a nurse appeared immediately to take me to the ward. She wasn't particularly warm or friendly and pretty much the only thing she said to me was, "Don't put anything on the bed"! "Here we go", I thought, "another hospital where patients are treated like an absolute nuisance". I sat down, making sure even my eyes didn't rest on the bed for a nano second, and got my kindle out again. A doctor appeared, (I didn't get his name, I'm so sorry), and went through my surgery with me. "Blimey, he's a bit keen" and I settled down with my kindle again. Then a vision of loveliness appeared before me, Nurse Debbie. She was beautiful and kind and warm and caring and lovely; and she was MY nurse! Bliss! She helped me get changed into my hospital gown, sexy embolism stockings and paper knickers! I wasn't happy about having to sit all afternoon in the ward in my hospital clothes but still, out came the kindle again. That was when Debbie told me I was going into surgery next! I texted my husband to tell him, he hadn't even got home from dropping me off. Before I knew it I was in theatre, where the wonderful staff kept me calm, let me watch as much as possible (as the op was done under local anaesthetic) and spoke to me as if I was a person, with a life outside of Carpals tunnel, and as if I had a brain. They were genuinely delightful. I came out of theatre and straight into Debbie's warm and welcoming arms. A delicious mug of tea and some hot buttered toast was speedily brought to me. I felt warm, cossetted, safe and secure. By 3pm - two and a half hours after arrival, I'd had my operation, been bandaged up, had my post operative care explained to me, and been discharged with spare bandages, dressings and anything else I might possibly need. Absolutely awesome and amazing. Praise must go to all the theatre staff, the surgeons on Mr Read's team and the delightful Debbie. A truly fabulous experience because of the gentle, informative and humane treatment of the staff. Added to that, my hand feels fantastic. St Albans City Hospital Day Surgery Unit, you are stars, and I am very and most exceedingly grateful.