"The SDU Team at The Friarage - A credit to the NHS"

What I liked

Having been diagnosed with the need for my gall bladder to be removed I refused to be treated at my own local hospital which is only 3 minutes drive away from my own house, I chose to travel 40 minutes to Northallerton instead. I knew of nobody who had recently been treated there but hoped it would be favourable to the awful experiences family members have had at my local hospital. I was not disappointed. From initial contact with the surgeon's secretary (who must have been fed up with my constant phone calls but not once showed it!) through to my pre op appointments leading to the nursing staff and of course the surgeon in the SDU, I cannot praise them enough. Everyone I came in contact with throughout my care were outstanding. After being diagnosed I was panic stricken at the thought of going into any hospital but as each appointment or conversation went on I became more at ease and that was due to the genuine care and consideration I received. My stay ran smoothly and it was pleasure to be in their care.

My initial op was cancelled after sitting 'gowned up' for 5 hours, this was a disappointment and very stressful but the cancellation was due to circumstances in the theatre that day and this was explained fully to me along with sincere apologies from a surgical team member and the ward manager.I was immediately given food and a drink and arrangements were made to get me home. My new appointment was rescheduled for 12 days later (again, the surgeon's secretary handled the situation perfectly contacting me regularly to keep me updated) and the op went ahead as planned.

I can only summarise that The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and more importantly the whole team of staff involved in my care working in the SDU are a credit to the NHS - If only more hospitals were the same. Thank you

What could be improved

I can only speak regarding my own circumstances and in that case I don't think any thing could have been handled better. They made an awful situation very bearable and renewed my faith in an NHS Hospital service I had previously had seriously worrying doubts about.