"First rate care at Dewsbury Hospital"

I was recently admitted to Dewsbury District Hospital for a routine Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Initially, I put out at having to travel to Dewsbury, a town and hospital I was totally unfamiliar with, when my pre-op. care had been at Pinderfields which is just down the road. My experience, however, was for the main part, positive. I will deal with the few negative aspects first. Patients are asked to arrive at 7. 15 a.m. and are then faced with a long wait, of many hours, in a cubicle unless they are lucky enough to be high on the theatre list. I was aware of this fact so was mentally prepared and managed to cope. Some people would find it extremely distressing. Also, ones’ full medical history is discussed within earshot of other waiting patients, and their relatives, who have nothing else to do but to listen in to relieve the boredom. That said, the nursing and medical care I received here was first rate. The medical staff were friendly, approachable and did everything they could to relax me whilst the nurses delivered good, old-fashioned, patient-centred care. My every need was anticipated and I felt supported, safe and secure at all times. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for Pinderfields. So many thanks to the staff of ward 14 and all the other nurses and staff in the ‘holding areas’ who made my overnight stay such a pleasant experience.