"Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy - K2"

I have to declare myself as member of staff at Cambridge University Hospitals but this in no way shapes my comments of the care I have received here and elsewhere at CUH, if anything I am more critical! This was my first visit to K2 for lithotripsy. As the lithotripsy unit is on a ward access to the unit is via an intercom and the door is released by a member of the reception team - if there were signs saying this I missed them as I tried the door first, then spotted the intercom by which time the staff member had unlocked the door. There is no clear signage in the main corridor directing you to the lithotripsy unit - just to K2. The reception team member was welcoming and checked my details - didn't ask for an email address which should be standard as we are using a state of the art electronic patient record system and in future will use this - so we should be collecting email addresses now - after I asked they checked this was recorded - it was. I was directed to the lithotripsy unit and met by name, made me feel welcome, by an HCA who took me to a two bed room and did my assessment. I was then seen by a specialist doctor who talked me through the procedure completed the consent form and answered my questions - I had already received a helpful information pack - could the consent be sent in the pack as it is in endoscopy? - the only shortfall here was that I was not given\offered the patient consent information sheet to read - this separate laminated sheet gets easily mislaid and is notoriously difficult to find. I saw a senior nurse after this who gave me some medications prior to the treatment and answered other questions I had. I then met the radiographer who was going to perform and monitor the treatment - a WHO pre-procedure safety check took place with the radiographer/senior nurse/doctor who checked they were performing the treatment on the correct side - a marker pen as used to mark the correct side - this was very reassuring. The radiographer explained the whole process and talked to me throughout checking I was comfortable and answering questions - this made the whole process go by quickly. I returned to the two bed room and was offered a hot drink and biscuits which were very welcome. I was checked up on frequently and was then discharged with antibiotics and advice sheets on what to do next, this included the contact number for the senior nurses should I experience difficulties. I was told to expect a further appointment in 4-6 weeks time, I got a phone call 5 days later to arrange further follow-up.To sum up the whole process was patient orientated, I felt safe and treated as an individual. My only suggestion are: signposting to lithotripsy in the main corridor and more visible information about intercom on door. Ensure patient consent information leaflet is given to patients and consider sending consent and information leaflet out with other patient information before the procedure like they do in endoscopy. Keep up the good work!