"Positive experience of keyhole microdiscectomy at Barlborough"

I had an erupted disc in my lower back which resulted in surgery at Barlborough NHS Treatment Centre.

I had previously had a disc erupt in my lower back in 2003 and following 2 weeks of feeling stiff and then getting severe pain and inability to stand upright I went to my GP at the Washingborough practice in December. She immediately recognised what may have happened and organised for an appointment with an assessor within the One Health group.

Unfortunately this was prior to the Christmas and New Year holidays and I had to wait longer than she expected. I was in considerable pain in my lower spine, right leg and foot and could get no relief either sitting, standing or or lying down, it was agony.

Eventually I saw the assessor who immediately organised an MRI scan which I had in January, this was followed by a call to go to see Mr Abhinay Kamat in Sheffield 10 days later. The initial consultation with Mr Kamat gave both my husband and myself huge confidence in his ability to diagnose and offer the best treatment possible. He showed us my MRI scan on his computer and explained professionally and clearly what the situation was and the process required to resolve the problem. He used a 3D model of the skeleton and nerves to demonstrate the procedure he would carry out. He also recommended that I see my GP for different pain killers to try to help me sleep.

He said he would try to organise for me to have the operation as quickly as possible and at least within a month.

I then received a letter telling me my procedure was scheduled for March, I immediately contacted the One Health Group to explain the pain I was in and ask if there were other earlier dates. Within 2 hours they had got back to me and I was asked to go for pre-op at Barlborough NHS Treatment Centre 2 days later with the operation scheduled for four days after that.

The process for pre-op was so efficient, all the staff worked in a very professional, courteous manner, every test was fully explained and no time was wasted, there was no queuing or waiting.

One of the most striking aspects about Barlborough is how clean and immaculate it is, it looks cared for, staff treat it with respect and pride.

Upon arrival for the operation I was taken to my bed and given a locker in a bay of 4 beds, the staff were very attentive and caring, recognising some of my anxiety. I was again very impressed by the cleanliness and can understand why they have never had any incidents of MRSA, of which they are rightly proud. I had my shower with a disinfectant gel and was pleased my dignity and feelings were at the forefront of the care. Chairs for visitors were brought in from outside the ward and then disinfected when the visitor had gone.

The anaesthetist immediately put me at my ease, making me laugh and chat as he prepared me for surgery, one minute I was having banter with him, the next I was gone. Coming round in post op nursing staff were with me and checked I was ok.

The nursing care I had was outstanding, I could not have wished for more throughout the 2 days. I particularly liked the fact that the wards were small having 4 beds in them, it was easy to get to know the staff. The beds were very comfortable with cleansing gel and call buttons.

My confidence in Mr Kamat's abilities was proven and the scar is so neat and now almost invisible.

I would like to thank Mr Kamat, the anaesthetist, all the staff at Barlborough and the One Health Group who have given me my life back, your skills and work commitment are outstanding.