"Looked after with such care in Pembury"

I was in hospital for a day and a half and thought all the staff I saw did a marvellous job often in very difficult circumstances.

I started the day in the short stay surgery unit at 7. 30am , expecting to have my operation that morning. A little while later, my heart sank as I was told that there seemed to have been some sort of mix up and I been wrongly taken off on the theatre list and I might not be able to have my operation that day.

However the staff nurse and other staff behind the scenes pulled out all the stops and got me back onto the theatre list for the afternoon and a bed on Ward 32, where I was transferred.

I then had my operation in the afternoon and had to stay in overnight, before leaving about midday the day after my operation.

All the staff I came into contact with on Ward 32, and in fact throughout the hospital, were friendly and caring despite being very busy.

It was a horrible start to the day of the operation - down to human error, I suppose - but I am very grateful that I could have my operation after all and to everyone who looked after me with such care.