"I was skilfully treated with real humanity and care"

I was admitted to Sussex County in early August 2018 for quadruple bypass surgery

I was impressed by many things that happened. At a top level I have received skilled surgery that has saved and extended my life. Not a bad start but what was also impressive was the way in which this was achieved.

The surgeon, Mr Jonathan, is clearly a very skilled surgeon but he took the time and care before the operation to explain to me and my wife what would happen, how and what the risks involved were. We asked many questions which he answered patiently and carefully and checked we understood the answers. After a long day of operations, he took the time and humanity to speak with my wife and make sure she understood what had happened and what the next steps would be.

All of the staff who looked are me on the ward were  efficient and progressed what needed to happen so that I could leave the hospital early under the early discharge scheme in a very timely way but not so that I felt rushed or pressurised. All staff also took the time, humanity and kindness to help me and provide reassurance. This applied to everyone without exception. As one example, the gentleman and lady who served tea and coffee took the time to ask me whether I wanted my drink in a cup or a beaker each time they asked me – I know it’s a small issue but things like this really made me feel like a human  and that I had a voice in what was happening to me. All of the nursing staff helped me through some painful periods with deep kindness; I know they were busy but they always made time to talk with me and involve me in decision making.

After I left hospital, I picked up an infection in my wounds that my local GP had real difficulty dealing with and three different course of anti biotics hadn’t resolved the issue. The early discharge nurse (Marita) had kept in touch and arranged for me to send photos to a registrar (Amina). Amina kindly agreed to see me at the hospital and has sorted out the infection with a different treatment. No criticism of my GP but this saved me several weeks of other treatment which would have slowed my recovery.

In summary – I was skilfully treated with real humanity and care. Things like this depend on brilliant people including those that provide leadership.