"I walked into the hospital accident ..."

What I liked

I walked into the hospital accident and emergency dept without an appointment and was assessed within 15 minutes. I then had a sight test within another 15 minutes and was referred to a doctor quickly.

I was diagnosed with a detached retina and was admitted to the ward that tea time. My condition was explained to me in a calm but authoratative manner and I was operated on the next morning.

I have been very fortunate not to need a hospital stay for 25 years but this one was nothing to worry about. I was treated very well, the majority of the nurses were excellent, and the theatre team were also excellent.

The Royal Eye Infirmary is obviously an old fashioned hospital, but there is nothing wrong with that when the quality of care and service is as good as it is at Plymouth.

Swift action has probably saved the sight in my right eye. So I thank the doctor and team for their expert help.

What could be improved

One or two of the nurses seemed to struggle to smile. It costs nothing to smile; but a smile can give a worried or nervious patient the reassurance he/she seeks.

Anything else?

If I know of anyone with an eye disorder and they are concerned about it, I would have no hesitation in recommending that they get themselves to the Royal Eye Hospital at Plymouth.