"Extremely Satisfied at High Standard of Care -..."

Whilst I rarely write reviews of my own experiences, I feel thoroughly compelled in this instance to convey my gratitude toward the staff of the Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham, following my recent experience of surgery. Following my consultation with a GP, I was referred to the QE Clinical Decision Unit, in light of a suspected problem of which I was advised would need to be treated within a certain time frame to reduce the likelihood of any permanent damage or loss being sustained. Unfortunately, the GP with whom I had my consultation did not convey to the CDU when contacting them for my referral, the potential implications of time sensitivity owing to the nature of my suspected condition. This lead to me having to wait for an extended period of time in the waiting room of the CDU, obviously causing a great deal of distress to myself that the time in which I needed to be treated was of the essence. As a result, I managed to catch the attention of a doctor in the waiting room and was able to explain my situation. Being most understanding, she quickly conveyed to her surgical colleague the nature of my problem, who promptly called me for an examination. Whilst she was shocked that my GP had not contacted a surgeon directly as an emergency, she was quick to concur that my symptoms suggested the above diagnosis to be correct and recommended that I be taken into theatre following a consultation with the urologist on call. Though slightly overwhelmed at the prospect of surgery, I was hugely impressed by her level of efficiency and professionalism. The Consultant Urologist, arrived promptly and I was able to discuss undergoing exploratory surgery with the two surgeons, both of whom were extremely informative in explaining the procedure in such a way that I was made to feel at ease. Having consented to surgery, within 45 minutes of my initial consultation I was prepped and taken to the theatre to be anaesthetised. The team of anaesthetists and porters were extremely pleasant and thorough in their preparations, which gave me confidence in the procedure I was about to undergo. Upon waking, whilst slightly dazed and confused but in no pain, I was fortunate to be told that no problems were discovered and the surgery was a success. I was taken to a private room by the porters where I was able to sleep of the remnants of the anaesthetic. I was made to feel well cared for by the nurses on the ward who made me comfortable until the doctor arrived in the morning. My Consultant arrived in the morning to inform of what had been undertaken during my surgery and the success of the operation. His level of professionalism was exuded through the manner in which he was able to convey precise details though medical terminology, which was explained in such a way that could be easily understood a lay man. Owing to the efficiency of the many members of staff, I was able to be discharged by midday.