"Surgery in outpatients department - excellent care"

What I liked

I had a tonsillectomy in the outpatients department and was very pleased with my experience.

The doctors were professional, friendly and answered all my questions.

I had my own room which was clean, quiet and comfortable. I wasn't really aware of other patients on the ward at all.

The nurse checked whether I was warm enough and put the heater on for me.

When I asked for extra pain relief after the operation I was given it.

I was checked on regularly after my operation.

Nurses called my partner after the operation, I was not expected to arrange this myself.

All staff respected privacy and knocked before entering.

All members of staff that came in to talk to me (surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, medical student etc) were friendly, kind and thought to sit down rather than talk over me from a height. They made me feel comfortable to ask questions and raise any concerns. They took the time to make sure I was ok and comfort me when I was upset. I cannot fault them at all.

The toilet was close to my room and was clean and hygienic.

What could be improved

My pre-op assessment including MRSA test was over a month before the operation. It would seem sensible to have shortly before the operation.

I phoned the hospital to find out my appointment date and was given it long before the letter informing me of the date was sent. I was told letters are not sent until about 6 weeks before. It would be useful to know as soon as the operation is booked when it is going to be so that patients can arrange time off work and make arrangements for other comitments both on the day and the recovery time.

It would be nice for partners to be allowed to stay during the whole day. I waited for about 4 hours before my operation (children are put at the front of the queue which is reasonable) and it would have been very reassuring to have my partner in my room with me during that time. I was told on the phone that partners are not allowed to stay.

Food for tonsillectomy patients could be improved. I was awkward because of allergies and being vegetarian, but even so orange juice really stings and should not be given and crisps are unsuitable after mouth surgery.

Anything else?

If you have any complications after surgery you have to go to St Georges, Tooting as there are not the facilities at Kingston. Although the same surgeons work at both hospitals, the environment at St Georges was not up to the same standard. If you are having a tonsillectomy and you have a choice of these two hospitals I would certainly reccomend Kingston.