"Excellent quality care from all staff involved in..."

I recently visited Royal Bolton Hospital as a day case surgery patient for the purposes of a hernia repair. This was my first time as a patient in hospital and I had never received a general anaesthetic, which was giving me serious cause for concern. Upon arrival, I was welcomed by the staff and shown to a waiting room. After a short time, I was met by one of the Consultant Anaesthetists who advised me that he would be the Anaesthetist looking after me. Despite my concerns about having a general anaesthetic, I was given the opportunity to fully explain my concerns and worry to him. He fully reassured me and then took the time to explain the whole procedure that I would have upon arrival in the anaesthetic room. This completely put my mind at ease. I was then met by one of the Surgeons who examined me and also explained the procedure that would be undertaken. I was transferred to ward R1 to wait for my surgery and the nursing team there could not have been more welcoming. They sat and talked to me and got me prepared. The recovery nurse then came for me and escorted me to the theatre suite, where I met the Anaesthetist once again. I cannot recall much more about the procedure apart from the fact that I was fully calm whilst receiving the anaesthetic. My next recollection was waking up back on ward R1, where I was given the opportunity to sleep. Upon wakening up, one of the nurses offered me tea and something to eat. I slowly fully recovered and was collected around 5pm that night. I cannot fault any aspect of my care at Royal Bolton Hospital. The nursing, surgical and anaesthetic staff all went out of their way to reassure me and make my short time there as pleasant as possible. I went into the hospital a very nervous patient. I sincerely hope that I do not have to return to hospital any time soon, however I would certainly be more than happy for my GP to refer me back to Royal Bolton Hospital. Many thanks!