"Overall a positive experience, thanks to the care..."

What I liked

Emergency care, anyone who has been treated in a hospital abroad - not a good experience, as I have, will be thankful for the proficiency of NHS.

Staff who treated me knew my name, were kind, polite and efficient. I was treated with care and consideration. My thanks and appreciation.

After being brought into A&E by ambulance after fracturing my ankle I was treated and sent home in a temporary cast within 2 hours, maybe I was just lucky, I had expected a longer wait. I was recalled by the fracture clinic the following day after my consultant viewed the x-ray and had to have the plaster cast re-applied. This reassured me that although I had not met my consultant yet, at least he was aware and monitoring my care.

Again I was treated promptly and with care and attention.

I still have a long way to go but I am heartened by the treatment I have received, so far.

What could be improved

It was clearly explained that surgery would be required and that it would be difficult to say when that will take place - there being several variables. Being self-employed this means that I am unable to plan my own work efficiently. I was told that many people find this frustrating - I can understand why. Knowing when something is going to happen increases certainty which decreases stress which when it accumulates, increases poor outcomes for all concerned.

I am sure many people have looked at this problem, seems no-one has yet been able to solve it. I do appreciate that whilst there maybe setbacks which no-one can foresee, I think that scheduling routine operations could be improved.