"Thank you Watford GH (particularly Elizabeth Ward)..."

I visited my GP on 12th Dec 2014 with abnormal post menopausal bleeding. I was referred for further investigation and I was seen at St Albans Hospital on 30th Dec, sent for MRI and CT scans at Mount Vernon on 6th January 2015, given results by a consultant (I won't name him but he I have great confidence in his skills and experience)at Watford General on 12th January 2015 and had surgery for removal of a large ovarian cyst, both ovaries and fallopian tubes on 2nd Feb. I think that timescale is pretty good. As far as the care itself went - St Albans, a bit shambolic for the first appointment as the only consultant 'on' that day was double-booked by mistake so I had an extra long nervous wait. Staff apologetic and kind though I was a bit thrown when the consultant told me the result of the initial scan and told me he was 'shocked and very sorry' - didn't improve my blood pressure level! I was referred to Mount Vernon for further scans(not NHS but used by NHS for scans), absolutely fantastic staff, good facilities, made to feel very comfortable in difficult circumstances - I didn't know what the prognosis would be and was very stressed. My post scan visit to consultant at WGH - running late, but all waiting were advised of this with apologies; swift, reassuring (probably benign cyst) consultation and booked in for keyhole surgery. Pre-op assessment at WGH - lots of people to see for various tests, questions but all reassuring and friendly. Day of surgery -had to 'phone in at 6.30 to check bed available (not at moment but come in anyway as you're second on list), arrived before 7.30 check in, sat in day room with other admissions for the day and had consultations with registrar, anaesthetist, nurse for obs etc. Taken to bed and, unfortunately, had to wait until midday to be wheeled to theatre. During that time I was treated with respect, friendliness and politeness. Everyone introduced themselves by name and made sure I understood everything. Post-op the staff were professional, friendly and kind. The women delivering the meals and drinks, the nurses and other medics all addressed me by name without obviously checking it out on the board above my bed and all were very conscientious although it was obvious they were very busy - I understand Monday is a busy day for surgery on Elizabeth Ward. The only gripe was night time - a banging door near the entrance to bay 6 where I was and bells heard ringing at the nurses' station for sometime - maybe not enough staff to cope at night? The staff documented every action/medication immediately and I had clear physio and medication advice before being discharged the following afternoon. As far as food is concerned - choose carefully, it's not that bad for mass catering. You'd be silly to expect high-end restaurant quality for fish, choose the vegan chilli and rice. Use your common sense and be thankful that you have the NHS. Awaiting histology results now.....