"Exceptional Care"

Anything else?

From the beginning of my interaction with this hospital to the culmination in surgery yesterday it has exceeded my expectations at all levels. I was referred at my request by my GP to have a LINX implant to cure Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease from which I have suffered for around 20 years. Although the condition had been controlled by the class of drugs called Proton Pump Inhibitors (which impede production of acid in the stomach), I had been suffering from side-effects for the last two years. This new procedure - only currently available on the NHS in Exeter - should mean that I can cease taking the drug therapy, although it's too early to tell at this stage how successful it has been for me. I think it will take some time to get used to the feeling of eating with the implant in place. I have to thank the consultant and his surgical team for their excellent care and accommodating my not living locally to the hospital (by, for example, doing some consultations by telephone to save travel time and costs). When I did have to visit the hospital for an appointment, I never waited more than a few minutes to be seen. All tests were done extremely efficiently and the results communicated quickly. The initial referral was made only 5 months ago, so I find it remarkable that I have been operated on so soon! The anaesthetic team has to be congratulated as well. I have never felt so good after a general anaesthetic and was able go home and eat and drink normally a few hours after the operation. That recovery was helped by the post-operative team on Knapp ward. (My only small gripe is that I do not know who decided that it was a good idea to allow patients to use the bedside radio/TV without headphones. Some people don't do consideration, and the last thing I wanted when coming round from general anaesthetic was to listen to Radio 2's brand of easy listening.)