"I wish I had known how good the NHS could be years..."

Outstanding. Having had a lot of treatment over the years, including private hospital care, I have no hesitation in sincerely recommending St Richards to all my friends and family. My care and operation was switched suddenly and without explanation from Worthing Hospital to Chichester, leaving me very worried not least because I would not even be examined by my consultant prior to surgery. I was admitted to Pagham ward early on Wednesday morning and was immediately reassured by the team of nurses and the consultant and was given very clear instructions and advice. The HCA who held my hand after I had my cannula inserted and helped calm me was wonderfully kind. The anaesthetist listened when I told her I reacted badly to anaesthetics and for the first time ever I woke up after surgery without crying and vomiting. Many before her have not listened. Thank you, whatever you gave me worked perfectly! I was moved to Chilgrove ward after my operation and everyone I came in contact with there treated me the utmost respect and provided a level of nursing care I have always wanted but never quite received. From the ladies who brought the tea round, the cleaners, the sister, the nurses who were never too busy to pause and smile, the consultant and his team who explained everything honestly and in plain English I could not fault one person on that ward. They even still have the delightful Friends of St Richards shop trolley bringing round the daily papers, choccies and essential toiletries. A sight not seen in my usual hospital for many years. And the food? Tasty, nutritious and a lot of choices for each meal. In fact I was disappointed to be discharged without getting the plum pudding and custard that I had ordered for my tea! On my discharge I was visited at home by a number of friends who all independently commented on how relaxed and well I was looking. This can only be due to the exceptional care I received on Chilgrove ward. Thank you for being such a fabulous team.