"Surgery due to gallstones"

May 2017 I was diagnosed with gallstones and was told I needed surgery to remove my gallbladder.

I was in a great deal of pain every day and desperate to have my op but was told it was approximately 18 weeks waiting time.

After being on the waiting list for surgery at Salisbury hospital since May 2017, and still no proposed date for surgery, each time I called I was told it would be another 2 months away at least.

I asked if I could choose to go to another hospital and was told I could go where I liked but would have to start the process all over again, which obviously I was reluctant to do.

Due to being in so much pain for so long, May 2018 I was advised to contact Shepton Mallet treatment Centre directly to see if they could see me any sooner than Salisbury.

Within four weeks of that phone call, I was admitted to Shepton Mallet treatment Centre and had the necessary surgery.

The treatment, care and respect I received from all the staff that I was involved with at Shepton Mallet was exceptional, (sadly I cannot say the same for Salisbury as each time I called to enquire about a proposed date, was told abruptly by the booking clerk that “there is no appointment for you yet”).

I cannot thank all the staff at Shepton Mallet enough as I feel my recovery has been so quick due to their caring professional attitude.

Six days since my surgery and I have no pain AT ALL (a few bruises but pain free for the first time in 18 months!) THANK YOU.