"Ist hospitalisation for surgery under a general..."

Having escaped for 60+ years having to be 'put under' this was probably my greatest fear. I was referred from the NHS for gall-bladder removal and despite it hopefully relieving me of periodic excruciating pain I was still more worried about the hospitalisation! I have to say as someone who hates disorganisation and bad communication I had nothing to complain about at all! The initial meeting with a consultant was short, on time, fully informative and relaxed. The pre-admission was the same with everything flowing perfectly and at no time did I feel uninformed or concerned about my treatment. Admission on the day was perfect and I have to say more like a hotel visit than hospital. I was kept fully informed of all the procedures and their possible (albeit remote) risks and felt in safe hands. From reception through catering to nursing and then on to anaesthetists and the surgeon everyone was relaxed but in control and the communication throughout was brilliant. After the operation the treatment was again perfect with pain relief and control being constantly reviewed. I left at the end of the day wondering why I had ever been concerned and hoping that my experience was typical and not isolated because the whole team at Nuffield seems to have got it right. I would like to thank them all again for allaying my fears and concerns so completely and offering up such a high level of treatment. Everyone I encountered seemed to genuinely care about what they were doing and had time to give to the patients. Hopefully I won't need treatment again for a while but if I do then I hope to encounter the same high level of care and dedication.