"Torbay Hospital Right toe joint fusion 11.11.13"

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Right toe joint fusion, 11.11.13. I am writing to thank the doctor and his team for the experience I had when undergoing surgery on my right foot on Monday 11th November 2013. I have never had an operation before and was quite nervous. The doctor's team (the theatre nurses, the anaesthetist and other staff that were there to take you to the surgical ward and make you feel that they are helping you through your experience), were wonderful at putting me at ease. The whole team had camaraderie, and at the offset, I felt that I was in good hands with the whole team. A week or so before the operation, I had a consultation with the doctor, who explained the planned surgery to me in detail. Being considerably nervous before I saw him, he made extra effort to allay any of my fears in such a manner, that I had every confidence in the surgery. He had a way of getting the main points of the surgery over to me in a way that I could understand; and was human and empathetic in his approach. He had the right balance of humour and practicality; and gave me so much confidence, that I felt no concerns about the operation at all. I had seen another surgeon several months before, who didn’t make me feel all that good about things. He made me feel that I was just another NHS number in a process that he was familiar with, in an environment that I wasn’t. What a treasure the doctor is for Torbay Hospital. One in a million I would say. We are so lucky to have him practicing here. I think that there are patients who will complain about everything in the NHS; even if they’ve had the best treatment. There are patients who have a fabulous experience, and are so thankful for it; but never take the time to put their thanks in to words. I am in the latter category, and am taking the time to feed back my sincere gratitude. The doctor and his team are superb. I couldn’t have had better in any hospital in the UK and I truly believe that. I consider myself very lucky to live in Torbay; and to have had the doctor carry out my surgery. Long may he and his surgical team, practice in our district. We are truly privileged. Sharon Robinson Kingskerwell