"Patient involvement and excellent care"

Having been a patient at West Park Hospital for over ten years

I am extremely satisfied with the care that I have received,

The rehabilitation aspect of my care was excellent and I progressed from being wheelchair bound to being able to walk with the aid of a stick. Simultaneously I developed skills that allowed me to manage personal care skills. This was made possible by the co-ordination of care by the multi-disciplinary team of doctors,nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Communication and co -ordination between the teams is excellent with the patient being the central focus. This level of care continues after discharge as the outpatient department has the same philosophy. The team are also involved in other aspects of patient needs, for example representation at tribunals and back to work facilitation. A personal example is that I was unable to return to the profession I was in prior to being ill - the back to work Co -coordinator was involved in me pursuing another career. The ancillary staff also demonstrate compassion and care to the patients. Prior to discharge there is an 'apartment' facility to assess how patients can manage self care prior to discharge. This involves taking the patient shopping for the food they will prepare and cook. This aspect of care is so valuable in gaining confidence after life changing illness. Participation in research and trialling new techniques is inherent in patient care - a testimony to the forward thinking approach that this hospital adopts. Patients that participate are fully informed. There is always a calm atmosphere in the hospital and in and outpatient departments are always clean and tidy. Having an outside garden area that patients and relatives can use during visiting is exceptional. Pet therapy is considered there too and dogs are allowed by prior arrangement. This is very therapeutic as animals play a huge part in many peoples lives, The hospital also has other rehabilitation activities including cycle riding in the nearby park. There is a chaplaincy service for all denominations and a church service provided on Sunday.

This hospital adopts a patient centred approach to care in a relaxed, clean setting