"From pre-op to my stay in hospital, overall a..."

What I liked

I was in hospital for a total hysterectomy by abdominal incision and was very nervous about the whole experience. However, I think the Enhanced Recovery Programme is an excellent initiative and I found all aspects of it useful, including the pre-op workshop and individual discussion with a senior nurse, as well as the patient diary. While in hospital, generally all staff were consistently kind and supportive and were quick to help with any queries or worries. Just one doctor scared me with their comments but this was not typical. Compared to a gynae' operation in the same hospital about 18 years ago, there were huge improvements - bays of 4 beds (rather than a large open-plan ward), more nursing staff on duty, much better pre-op' advice and much cleaner bathrooms.

What could be improved

My only small issue was after leaving hospital. I felt very vulnerable leaving on Day 3 and the 'Leaving hospital following a hysterectomy' leaflet promised a follow-up call after a few days by one of the nursing staff, but this did not happen. I telephoned with a worry I had but the person who answered simply read out a paragraph from the leaflet word for word with no additional advice! But overall, my experience was a good one and I would not hesitate to recommend this hospital.