"They treated me with respect at all times"

I needed a tendon replacement in my knee, which is quite a big operation (for me at least). I suffer from anxiety, have a lot of panic attacks and am a recovering addict, so I felt nervous at first, but once I was in the ward before my surgery I felt comfortable and looked after.

All of the nurses and doctors were helpful, informative and kind. They treated me with respect at all times. I have a fear of needles and when they were putting in my cannula they understood and acted as such, didn’t hurt at all.

Once I had come to in the ward after my op I received the upmost care and patience, they checked up on me a lot, anything I asked for help with they did in a timely manner and kept me updated every step of the way. When I needed pain relief they gave it, when my throat was hurting they got me ice cream, kept me topped up with water.

I felt extremely emotional after the op and cried probably more than 10 times, each time they understood and calmed me down, said nice things and comforted me. Nurse Kat was especially lovely, I shared some personal things with her and she was fantastic about them. I don’t know how I’d have got through this without the support of Kat, and all the other nurses, physios and health care workers.

I had no reason to be nervous about my time in hospital because they were amazing, everyone in the Hollybank ward is truly lovely and they deserve raises for all they do for people. Cannot speak highly enough about them all. I even cried when I had to leave them, and Kat got quite emotional too as we had really bonded during my time there. Cannot thank them enough for the kindness they showed me. Could not have wished for better care 💗