"The nurses and doctors are lovely"

I went to the Royal Alexandra hospital in paisley for an appointment to have a small surgery on my ear. 

When I arrived at the ward there was a group of around 10 patients also being admitted with me. The nurses unlocked the door to the ward, let us all in, and we were all shown to our individual seats within the ward. There was a team of around 10 nurses.

Once seated, the nurses spoke to us all individually and asked a series of questions. Theses included questions about emergency contacts and medical histories. The nurses simultaneously took tests to measure each patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and sizes for stockings and gowns.

The nurses helped to ease the nerves of any patients who seemed nervous. Overall, they were very friendly, helpful, and kind. There was also plenty of nurses working so no patient was left unattended for too long. 

I did not have a bad experience at all.

However, if I were to say something negative, it would be that each patient was quite close together and was asked quite personal questions about their medical history. I could not help but hear what the other patients around me were telling the nurses about their private medical history. Whilst this did not effect me, having to reveal such personal information around strangers could prevent patients from telling nurses all the relevant information which is necessary prior to a serious operation. 

Next, a doctor came to see each of the patients and went through the surgery that was going to be undertaken. They explained how they were going to do it, the risks, and various other facts relevant to the procedure. They were also very helpful - willing to answer any question and help calm any doubts patients might have. The doctor also told us the rough waiting time before surgery would begin. 

I spoke to my doctor at around half 8, and I was told that my surgery will be around 11 am as I am third in the queue. Once the doctor spoke to me, a nurse showed me to a waiting room with a Christmas tree and a flat screen TV to relax in before I have my surgery. I am there just now. The nurse has said to let her know if I need anything. 

Overall my pre-surgery experience so far has been a good; the nurses and doctors are lovely, I was seen pretty quickly, I was given a clear understanding of what was going to happen, I was provided with water, and I now have a private waiting room with a flat screen TV and magazines to entertain myself. 

It is worth mentioning that I am the only patient who has been offered this room. This might be because I am younger and not having as serious a surgery. Every other patient is at least 50 and having a considerably more serious operations than myself. It could also be because they feel bad after they told me I was getting my surgery first. However, this was a mistake and I am actually having mine third. 

Either way I don’t mine I am just glad to have a private room. :)