"A Very Welcome Enhancement to NHS Services"

The general level of professionalism demonstrated by the staff and consultants at Doncaster SpaMedica was excellent, while also including a respectful 'human touch'. Such a reassuring approach is essential in a clinical environment.

While congratulating the administration of SpaMedica on their overall success, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a few aspects of the service which I found a little disconcerting.

1) I attended two diagnostic sessions prior to surgery. In the first one, as expected, I was asked to read the Snellen Chart with naked eyes, whereas in the second one, I was instructed to wear my prescription glasses to read it. This made the Pinhole Occluder very difficult to use, and at the same time, I believe yielded inaccurate results. I think that the preferred procedure should be made clear to all members of the diagnostic team.

2) The consultant's Slit Lamp was generally found to be much brighter than previously experienced at various opticians, particularly on wide beam, causing almost unbearable discomfort due to the intensity. It required considerable force of will-power to maintain a fixed gaze. However, I have so far not detected any impairment of vision.

3) The 'Aeon' dry eye drops issued by the consultant proved to be a failure. The liquid itself cause unpleasant stinging and was very difficult to administer because of the highly viscous fluid blocking the fine capillary nozzle. As a result, enormous pressure was necessary on the bottle to exude a drop, which, due to the comparatively stunted spout, often missed the eye. After two days use, the nozzle became completely blocked, so that pressure on the bottle caused it to squash flat.

4) I have no problem whatsoever with the employment of highly qualified clinicians and nurses from foreign countries in our hospitals. They are essential in keeping our medical facilities running smoothly.

I am concerned, however, that where they have a 'public-facing' role, as well as having a good command of English, their pronunciation should also be clear and easily understood; particularly when dealing with older people. I encountered this problem at the hospital and also when seeking advice via the General Enquiries telephone line. If a patient misunderstands medical advice, it could lead to serious consquences.

I hope that the above points will be considered as constructive criticism, rather than dissatisfaction with what is otherwise a well-run and much-needed service

Thank you.