"Wonderful hospital - 2 suggestions for improvement"

I had a full hip replacement at Stracathro . From the minute I entered the building I felt looked after. 

All the staff from the cleaners to the surgeons were amazing. 

I was pretty nervous before my operation and the person who skilfully managed to calm those nerves was Joyce our nurse. She was hilarious, lightened the atmosphere in the ward full of anxious patients whilst obtaining and delivering important information.   

The surgeon Mr MacInnes and the anaesthetist also visited before the operation to explain the procedure also putting my mind at rest. 

A person I will never forget was Donna also in the anaesthetist team. She was so kind and calm. She held my hand and helped me breathe through the excruciating pain of the epidural injection. The shape of my spine made it difficult to find a good entry point. This was the most painful part of the the whole operation and I will always be grateful for her kindness. 

I have to say that I was utterly astonished with the care, knowledge, empathy and humour of all of the staff, particularly the nursing team, physios and occupational therapists. I can not praise them highly enough. 

I think I have remembered most of their names but if I miss anyone out this thank you is very much for them too. I had a fuzzy post op brain so may well have missed someone out. 

Joyce, Freya, Becky, Jenny, Karen, Moira, Lesley, Gillian, Libby and Lorna. The good humour amongst the staff was infectious and all of us in the ward had such a laugh. The general atmosphere within the area felt calm and controlled. Everyone was cared for but it didn't feel manic. I believe this atmosphere helps the healing process and needs to be acknowledged. 

I have two things that I would like to add as things to be improved:

The first is the food. 

The food was truly appalling and regardless of dietary requirements I think everyone thought the same thing. I do not eat meat and in this day and age non meat opinions have to be better than Quorn mince. The second meal was another Quorn option. For both meals I did not have this, the first night I just had a plate of vegetables (probably frozen) which were over cooked and smelt revolting. I could not eat any of it, the second day the nurse kindly offered to ask for a baked potato with tuna which was marginally better.

Fortunately my husband brought some salad in so that improved it immensely. Vegetarians do not need a meat substitute and there are so many delicious, nutritious and cheap recipes available. In an environment were patients need good food to aid recovery I know I am not the fist person to say this was unacceptable. I understand there are financial constraints but with some research and imagination this could be changed. Those who did eat meat in my ward felt the same way and the waste was significant. 

The second thing is the common areas at Stracathro. It was noticeable that none of the walls had any artwork on them. All other hospitals do have artwork and really cheers the environment up and makes it feel less sterile.

So apart from the food and the common areas I think that Stracathro is a wonderful hospital and should be treasured by NHS Tayside. I have already been able to reassure a friend who is going there soon that she will be in very safe hands.