"My first experience of healthcare in the private..."

Here is my journey and my professional view of my experience at Mount Stuart hospital. It's a bit long winded but if you're the slightest bit apprehensive, please read on. I was admitted on 10th March for epigastric hernia repair. I elected to come to Mount Stuart via the NHS choose and book system. As a healthcare professional myself (employed in a local NHS acute trust), I have to say that the standard of care delivered by all staff, clinical and non clinical was certainly delivered to an exceptional standard. From my arrival at reception through to surgery and ultimately discharge home yesterday. Although I am a registered nurse with 40 years experience, I am also human and experienced a degree of pre operative apprehension. My wife and I were made welcome to the ward area where I was able to relax in readiness for surgery later in the day. All pre operative visits and checks were completed in accordance to high standard required by guidelines. At all times I was kept informed of the stages of events. The theatre porter, anaesthetist and ODP were very attentive. I am particularly grateful to the recovery team who were obliged to hand ventilate me for 10 minutes prior to waking up to full consciousness. Thank you. On return to the ward my vital signs continued to be monitored by the very attentive ward staff. My post operative pain relief was administered timely thus preventing me experiencing any unnecessary discomfort. Felt a bit nauseated (possibly the Oramorph), nausea dealt with swiftly by a shot of Ondansetron..worked in about 20 minutes. I think I must have rung my patient bell many times during the night in order to make use of the loo with assistance. Here's a hint to potential patients. Don't try to get up too soon post op you might fall over. I was embarrassed to keep asking but nurses were understanding and let me know the right time for me to get out on my own. Catering staff were also very friendly and the standard of food (important to me), was very good. I was given explicit discharge advice both verbal and written as well as my take home drugs and emphasising not to hesitate to contact the ward if I had worries etc. This is health care as it should be. Well done Mount Stuart.