"Day surgery experience"

Upon arrival to the theatre department my father was challenged by the staff that he should have arrived at 0700 despite arriving at the designated time on the appointment letter of 0730. Staff appeared abrupt and not particularly welcoming. Dignity issues not covered very appropriately. Once changed into gowns patients are made to sit in a communal seating area, which if anyone has seen a hospital gown is not the most dignified of items. With regards to responding to the needs of the anxieties of a patient I witnessed very little evidence of this. Despite enquiring whether I could accompany my father to theatres and despite being a health professional the staff appeared very dissuasive of this despite explaining the fears and anxieties. They're were no distraction techniques. Tv, radio, books, magazines. Having worked in a day surgery unit at another hospital in North London I have been part of and observed how a dignified system should work however I do not feel this is something implemented at St Mary's. On a positive note the anaesthetist was very friendly, accommodating, warm and welcoming so I'd like to thank her for that.