"No privacy and in full view of the hospital on the..."

What I liked

The nurses were fantastic!

What could be improved

The Elmstead day Unit was closed for decorating although the theatres were in use, I was wheeled in a bed through the hospital from the West Bergholt ward which i found extremely embarrassing and as my surgery was personal and private i was extremely concerned that somebody i knew might see me and then question as to why i was in hospital. I was not happy about this arrangement and even had to wait for 2 lifts as the general public were not allowed in with a patient, this was more opportunity to be looked at and noticed and as i had nothing on under my gown i was extremely uncomfortable and unhappy about the situation and then to make matters worse i had painters and decoraters holding doors open as i got to the theatre. I was clearly visible through glass windows as my anaesthetic was given and once again wheeled back after surgery again in full view. This was worse than my surgery itself and as for patient privacy and dignity, i feel there was none at all. I would have been happier to wait for my procedure than be put on show for the general public in the hospital and run the risk of being questioned by somebody that spotted me at the time. I feel sorry for the other patients having to go through this and i'm aware the staff were also not happy and women having breast surgery were also subjected to the journey i had to endure. I think the hospital needs to re-think this awful trip to the Elmstead theatres before it really does cause somebody un-necessary distress!