"The cleanliness and helpfulness ..."

What I liked

The cleanliness and helpfulness at every turn, not forgetting the brilliance of the surgeon, the anaesthetist and the support of a wonderful team of nurses - especially the lovely ladies from Intensive Care who looked after me in the Recovery Ward for 24 hours.

What could be improved

Not a lot that I could see. The admissions ward seemed a little chaotic at times but that could be explained by the added pressure of swine flu. And the parking charges were rather high but that seems to be the norm at hospitals.

Anything else?

When I was told that I had to have complex surgery on my spine and that, because of the probability of complications with the anaesthetic, it would have to be at Mayday, I had some qualms. My reservations were based on my mother's experience years ago, the Hospital's rating of only "Fair" and some of the NHS Choices Feedback.

The reality was a welcome surprise. The place was a lot brighter and cleaner than I remembered when visiting my mother, and everywhere there were happy, enthusiastic staff who seemed to be only to glad to of service. Everywhere there was evidence that the staff were taking the risks of cross-infection very seriously. I had the feeling that these people were doing their utmost to put the past behind them and I really believe that the "Fair" rating needs to be reviewed.

Incidentally, this is the second time I have written this Feedback, "The System" having lost my original text But it is a token of my sense of gratitude, admiration and injustice - that I am writing it again..