"Reassuring and informative consultation with..."

What I liked

I travelled a long way to see a specialist and am not familiar with the hospital. When I arrived we made our way to outpatients to find that the clinic had been moved to the fracture clinic, but staff were well aware of this and we were given clear instructions on how to get there. When I arrived it turned out I needed to have x-rays done first, the staff worked well together to check exactly what was needed and I was taken through to x-ray within minutes. In x-ray there was a radiographer and 2 students, I was asked if it was ok for them to assist and all staff were incredibly friendly and polite, they made me feel completely at ease and explained what they were doing as they went along. The students asked for my permission each time wanted to do something that the radiographer was showing them. Even when an x-ray had to be repeated they explained exactly why and made sure that although some of the positions were uncomfortable, I was in them no longer than was necessary. Afterwards they made sure I knew where I was going. I saw the consultant swiftly and delays in the x-rays coming through were again explained to me. Although the examintation was uncomfortable the consultant did his best to ensure it was not too painful and kept me informed of everything he was doing. He recommended surgery and explained the 2 procedures he might carry out dependent on the results of a scan. He explained everything whilst pointing out the relevant bits of my leg/knee and I really felt I understood the procedure and how it should help. I felt very well looked after by all the staff, from the receptionist to the consultant, and whilst I am not looking forward to the operation, I feel confident that I will be well looked after and treated in the best possible way. I will report back if my expectations are met after the surgery!

What could be improved

The toilets were rather messy and did not look as though they had been cleaned recently, despite signs promising they were cleaned every 2 hours.