"Short Stay Unit - an example of excellent quality..."

I was admitted to the SSU on 8th July for a Gynaecology procedure - Hystereoscopy. From my welcome check in to my discharge, the quality of care was to a very high standard. Having had a previously bad experience (not on this unit), I was extremely anxious - I suffer from White Coat Hypertension - yet the staff were reassuring and patient and did so much to allay my fears and calm me down, even though it was a busy morning for them. I was kept well-informed as to where I was on the operating list and staff are popping in and out keeping a check on you. You are in a comfortable bay with good facilities (a toilet to each bay) and your own locker by your bed. Prior to my procedure I was visited by my Consultant who explained everything to me. I was also visited by a Consultant Anaesthetist who talked me though some of my concerns (I usually feel sick after anaesthetic, but he assured me that "not with him" would I be sick). When it was time for my procedure once again the staff keep you well informed and make sure your details are checked not once, not twice, but three times! In the Anaesthetic Room the two-man anaesthetist team did much to help keep me calm and distracted, having a bit of a joke and chatting to me. I have to say it was actually a very good exerience, they were so lovely. When I came round in Recovery once again the staff were excellent. The nurse who was caring for me kept me informed of how I was doing and kept asking how I felt. I was initially on oxygen (everyone is), but I just felt very comfortable and chilled out. I was asked if I had any pain and all my observations were continuously monitored until I could be taken back to the ward. And No I didnt feel sick, not at all. In fact as soon as I got back to the ward my assigned Nurse asked if I wanted a nice cup of tea and some biscuits - very welcome. She checked on me a few times before declaring I could get up and walk around. There are tea making facilities on the ward so I was able to potter in and out to make drinks as I wanted. I was also offered a good selection of sandwiches or things like toast if I wanted. The Cheese and Tomato sandwich I had was of a very good standard. I was discharged with full instructions and letters for my own records. I was on the unit for just around 8 hours. I also have to comment on the standards of cleanlines. The Unit was extremely well maintained and Housekeeping staff were ever-present throughout the wards. I had time to observe one of the Housekeeping Team cleaning my bay and he was thorough and when he had to clean around my area he was courteous and polite asking if I was OK with him cleaning around me. I could see that he was cleaning as it should be to maintain infection control standards (I work in a Hospice, so know how it should be done). I have nothing but high praise for SSU. Anyone attending this ward should be reassured that their experience will be as good as it can get.