"Fabulous team."

Recently my 4 year old daughter had an operation at the Spire. This was her second operation, her first at the Spire. From our first consultation to the minute we left after the operation we felt like we were in the best hands possible. A huge relief for worried parents.

My child had more grommets fitted and had an adennoidectomy and due to persistent hearing loss she has a speech and language delay. Our assigned paediatric nurse was a super star. She went above and beyond to help Lucy to understand what was going to happen and to make her feel at ease in an unusual and scary environment. She also sensed my worry and ensured I had all the information I needed and she helped to ease my nerves. On the day of the operation we were taken to a lovely room. A real effort had been made to make it homely and comfortable for Lucy. I brought lots of toys and games as advised by the nurse to amuse us all. The operation went smoothly and our surgeon quickly came to explain everything which was a huge relief. The nursei popped in and out continually to check we were ok and to provide drinks and food. Nothing was to much trouble.

We would wholeheartedly recommend the Spire to family and friends. You are all an amazing team.

I would like to add that although having a private room was lovely, it was nice to be able to see other parents and chat to them. One parent and her child came to visit us because we was a little bored stuck in his room. I think a private room sometimes serves as more for an adults benefit than it is a child's. I find my child feels more at ease around other children and will quickly try and make friends. Children tend to feel less worried if they can see that other children are going through a similar thing.

The nurse likes the children to meet the other children so they settle easier. I think its nice for parents to be given the opportunity to chat and reassure each other also. So perhaps a communal area for the children may benefit all, it helps the children to bounce back and helps the time to pass quickly. Also an opportunity to access new and different equipment can help children forget what is a frightening experience.

My daughter used to be petrified of Doctors however the day after her operation she packed a bag and asked to go back to the hospital. That truly is a testament to a fantastic team.