"fantastic experience"

NHS

Fairfield general

01-06-16 to 02-06-16

Ambulatory wheelchair user profoundly deaf lip reader in for left mastoid and ear drum reconstruction operation.

NB the date of the operation had been brought forward at a weeks notice and telephone pre-op assessment was changed to a face to face one a Saturday with two days notice.

Oldham Royal 28-05-16. All information taken correctly and tests completed efficiently.

Slight issue with the tape used to cover gauze after a blood test I thought it was micro pore which is fine but I was allergic to this (I'm guessing it was scan pore) this is just a comment re future procuring no criticism intended of staff in any way. Minor deaf awareness training needed for staff calling names from around corners and mobility awareness -walking off quickly when person uses a stick and out of sight at a junction

Seen quickly and let in early 06:30 for 07:30 admission

Went to Ward 14 per letter and re-directed to Ward 12 (not open) waiting area

Seen in turn despite remaining out of the way and not standing in a queue.

Spoken to clearly and arrangements made to be admitted in a small private room. Two friends permitted to remain at patients request. (Called "mum" & "hubby" to great amusement)

Assessment done efficiently and kept updated that first slot had been shifted to second slot (due to delays in student nurse getting the dvt stockings on) also informed this would just be 20 mins. Each stage was explained well including who was coming next. Admitting nurse, consultant, anaesthetist etc. All of these staff were consummately professional. I felt listened to by each one as I listed my conditions, allergies, intolerances, medications and quirks (tongue graft and cartilage graft that could impede intubation)

Listened to - unusual location of venflon for anaesthetic accommodated to aid effectiveness and avoid detrimental impact on communication post op. This was fantastic especially when locating a vein on the chosen site proved problematic.

Trolley was ordered to take me to theatre n it was explained that I would go to Ward 14 post op. Trolley came quickly and was pushed smoothly. Anaesthetist's assistant did an excellent job of putting me at my ease and kept me distracted from the painful bits by chatting about things we had in common.

Anaesthetist persevered with unusual and painful venflon site. This pair were a particularly excellent team.

Recovery team did well to communicate with me and to out up with post op deletions ranting (about a cat from outer space, I think).

The consultant / surgeon came to me shortly after the operation and updated me with how it had gone. He was genuinely happy with the result and explained what would happen next. He also arranged for the provision if a med cert immediately. (This is a real difference to some of my previous experiences where I have been treated as my "condition" and not a person and have been spoken down at not even to).