"Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Ward 302 SSSU Gynae op"

I was admitted to Ward 302 SSSU (short stay surgical unit) for a gynaecology operation. Working as a HCSW for the NHS I was quite nervous at being a patient, however I was put at ease from the second I stepped on the ward! From the receptionist to all the staff involved in my care I felt at ease and felt like nothing was too much bother for them! Hayley was the first nurse I met and who did all my admission paperwork and answered any questions I had. I then met Dr Paterson (consultant anaesthetist) who had obviously thoroughly read my notes and noted I suffer from severe migraines and made sure I wasn’t getting dehydrated. He explained everything that would happen when I was taken down to the theatre. He explained it in a simple way that I could understand. I then met with Dr Wallage who was doing the surgery and again everything was explained and any questions I had was answered. The theatre staff were absolutely brilliant and one of the theatre nurses didn’t catch her name spoke to me and stroked my arm until I fell asleep. When I woke up in recovery Rachel and Caroline were both standing over my bed and had a glass of water waiting for me. They spoke to me the whole time I was there and as soon as I asked for pain relief they had it there within seconds. Once back on the ward I was constantly checked on not only by the nurses and hcsw but also the anaesthetist and Dr Wallage. All the staff looked happy working in their department. They all had a smile on their faces! The NHS get a lot of bad press but I can honestly say the experience I had was a very positive experience. All the staff at Ward 302, theatres and recovery are all a credit to the NHS and in my eyes are all stars! Keep up the good work! ! Thank you! !