"I attended the hospital for breast ..."

What I liked

I attended the hospital for breast reduction operation.The admission to the ward prior to my operation was quick and efficient and the nurses put me at ease as i was understandably nervous.

The whole proceedure was explained to me and any questions i had were answered professionally and with respect.

I was shown to my bed and given a gown and compression stockings to wear .

The consultant and the anaethetist both came to explain what would happen during the surgery and what to expect after.

I was in surgery and recovery for approx 5 hours and feel i was looked after whilst i was there.

In the hours following surgery, the nurses really looked after me,checking on my wounds and dressings and regularly checking blood pressure.

The nurses also put up with my constant need for the loo by providing bed pans and commodes upon request and all whilst preseving my dignity as much as possible.

The following morning, much to my suprise i was told i would be allowed to go home!!

The surgery had been a success and the doctors and nurses were happy with the progress i had made.

What could be improved

I was informed around 9 am that i would be allowed to go home that afternoon.

I then waited until 3 pm before i was allowed to go!

I had to get my partner to come to collect me as i could not drive and as we live over 20 miles from the hospital i wanted to give some idea of the time.

The nurses said after lunch about 12.30 .

My partner arrived at 1pm and we were told we were just waiting on me prescription to be sent up from the pharmacy before i could be discharged.

By 3 pm we were fed up with waiting and requested one of the nurses to find out what the delay was.

She turned up 5 mins later with my prescription, nothing exciting , just ordinary over the counter pain relief!!!!

I had been waiting 6 hours for some paracetamol!

If this discharge could be sped up then i could have been home, out of the way and a free bed would have been made in the hospital for another patient.

Anything else?

If the hospital could provide an internal map showing exits and easier access routes from the various car parks , it would be very useful.

My husband and i have parked on various car parks around the hospital complex , but always end up entering via the main entrance as it is the only way we can navigate the rabbit warren.

My hasband suffers from a bad back and all the walking up and down the corridors has caused much pain.