"Detached retina - amazing staff"

I was directed to the urgent care centre @ St Mary's (Paddington) by NHS direct (10/3/15) The kind receptionist there sent me to the WEH. The receptionist there was also friendly & efficient. I was told it'd be about 2 hrs wait but saw nurse in 1 hr. They were efficient but not friendly. I then saw a consultant who confirmed I had DR; I was extremely upset & scared at that news & the consultant took time to reassure, sympathise & explain what would happen next. I am so grateful for that 5 minutes. They referred me to surgeon who confirmed disgnosis & gave me more info & booked surgery in for 13/3/15. I asked lots of qs & they were patient, professional & supportive. On 13/3 I arrived at 7am & all the nurses were great; 1 particular took charge of my paperwork,wrist id bands, BP & kept me informed. another nurse then collected me, put eye drops in & then the surgeon did pre-op check & ran through info again. The aniethetists' assistant & the aniethetist were just fantastic. They understood how anxious I was & were kind, professional, friendly & looked after me with such care. The surgeon kept me informed throughout the op & the aniethetist came with me to recovery & gave me advice & info about recovery. I was then looked after by the nurse & another 2 health care assistants who were all warm & caring. I had to go in the next morning for 24hr check up. I saw a different doctor who seemed awkward about introducing themselves & was impatient but I didn't doubt their expertise. 2 things; a) the nurse told me I would have to get my own surgical tape & use the plastic eye patch each time I needed to use a patch which, after all the expert care I'd received, seemed Medievil! I bought an eye patch from local chemist but really think they should be supplied @ the hospital( don't mind paying). b) the surgeon informed me that I would get chataract in 1-2yrs. The dr on 14/3 said 'within a year' - it's distressing to get this news & would be less so if the staff have the same info. My experience from reception though to check up was largely superb but I would say the aftercare is poor - I would have been so grateful for a number to call btwn 14/3 & next check up (24/3) - not totally sure about how much I can do in days since I could stay upright & wanted to ask about condition of eye. Also when I called (got passed to 3 different numbers) to check about post op details .. Couldn't get difinitive answer. This access to info b4/after treatment so important. Still, thank you for everything & please pass on huge praise to all the staff at WEH. Got check up 24/4 so expect another review!