"eye clinic"

Attended Northampton General Hospital for an eye check up following referral by my GP after seeing the optician. Not considered to be urgent by optician or GP so appointment made within 3 months. Consultant, Mr Reddy, at NGH did thorough examination of both eyes and declared that I needed an immediate operation for detached retina in both eyes. Referred me to Oxford Radcliffe Infirmary the same day. Admitted to Doyne Ward. Saw Mr Ang (within Mr Patel's clinic) and he said he would operate that day; gave choice of general or local anaesthetic - I chose latter as Mr Ang exuded great confidence. Operated on, after a 4 hour wait on the ward, at 7 pm for an hour. Felt no pain. Theatre staff very reassuring and caring. Stayed in overnight on Doyne Ward; staff friendly but not busy. Discharged next day after Mr Ang had examined the eye. Said he could do the other eye with laser "within 2-3 weeks". Went back to Oxford for check up 8 days later and Mr Ang very happy with the outcome of the first operation. Then said "oh I'll do the laser treatment today and fit you in" so at 6.15 pm a colleague of Mr Ang's did this work; did not feel so confident. Made a follow up appointment for NGH three weeks later. Mr Ang (based in Oxford but does a clinic each fortnight in Northampton) said he could do some more laser on the right eye. After this I thought the eyesight was deteriorating so went to the emergency eye clinic in Northampton; saw the doctor on duty and he prescribed drops to clear up inflammation. Returned to see Mr Ang at the end of that week having telephoned to make an appointment. Once again, I had to wait about 3 hours but Mr Ang slotted me in to his theatre at 6.30 p.m and did some further laser treatment. Sister on Doyne Ward arranged provisional follow up appointment at NGH for six weeks later. This was not confirmed in writing so I telephoned NGH and they confirmed that it was fixed for 27 July. Attended clinic and saw Mr Ang who said everything is fine and no follow up needed. Good experiences : Immediate attention at NGH by a competent consultant at the outset. His action potentially saved my sight. Very highest care, attention and skill shown by Mr Ang from Oxford. Nursing and auxiliary staff generally caring and supportive. Being "fitted in" to a busy schedule was much appreciated. Room for improvement : a lot of time spent waiting at each appointment. Lack of any means of transport between NGH and Oxford, so if I had not been able to afford a taxi or be fit enough to take a bus at the right time, this could have made the situation very difficult.