"I am an outpatient undergoing ..."

What I liked

I am an outpatient undergoing physiotherapy for lower back pain and in order to help correct my posture was also recently prescribed a heal elevator.

The physio' department is situated in one of the newer buildings. The design of the building is quite modern and lends itself to light, spacious areas. Walking into such a clean and bright environment psychologically helps to lift my mood and raise my spirit. The physiotherapy team are very friendly and knowledgeable. Originally, I was treated by a student physiotherapist who was both friendly and professional. She also respected my own personal prognosis of my ailment and together we manged to formulate a plan to treat my back pain. After some weeks the trainee phsiotherapist returned to her studies and therefore she was replaced by a more qualifed senior member of staff. The continuity and form of treatment has been very good. The physiotherapist is very friendly and again together we have managed to devise a plan to help ease my back pain. The physiotherapist also recommended that I was fitted for a heal elavator and therefore referred me to the Surgical Appliance Department.

After some months of waiting I was eventually measured and fitted for a heal elevator in the Surgical Appliance Departmnet. Again the staff in this department were friendly and approachable. Last week, after some weeks of waiting, I was fitted with the heal elevator. Next week I will resume my programme of physiotherapy.

What could be improved

(a) Hospital parking for cars needs to be improved.

(b) The Surgical Appliance Department is situated in the older part of the hospital and consists of only one office and one room. This service requires more funding and resources and also logistically should be situated in the Physiotherapy Department.

(c) Sign posts inside and outside the hospital should consist of larger and bolder print.