"Well cared for and fully informed at all times..."

What I liked

I was booked in for an ACDF operation. The staff were very friendly and professional at all times. I was kept informed at all times. The consultant took time out on two occasions once on the morning of my operation and the second on the day after to check on me. He was extremely honest and told it how it was - something I really appreciated.

I was well looked after in Theatre and was assigned my own recovery nurse who was with me before I went under and there when I woke up.

What could be improved

My only comments around improvements, I was on Ward 4 and although I was in a same sex room opposite was the mens ward. There are seperate facilities for men and women but because of the location of the toilets (at the top of the ward for ladies) it was easier, especially after the operation, to use the toilets at the bottom which are designated to men. I also felt slight uneasy and if I am honest a little intimidated by having the men opposite my door. This comment stems purely from the fact that one of the men patients was been very allowed and insulting to the nurse (kind of thought at the time where have I come). The nurses in fairness dealt with this outburst very professionally and eventually it calmed down.

I cannot really comment on the food as I did not really have anything to eat.

My final comments for improvements is really about the after care - you have the operation, you see a physio who ensures you can walk independantly and then you are booked a follow up appointment but this is via a telephone call. Once home and recovering there really is no where other than your GP to reassure you that you are healing correctly.

Anything else?

My consultant was brilliant and talked me through everything and took time out from I am sure a very busy schedule to 'check in' on me. Thank you so much for looking after me and fixing me.