"My mother's treatment and operation at Hospital"

My mother had an operation to remove a Polup in her womb at St. Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, in Bristol last week.

I would just like to say how lovely the Nurses and Doctors were to us. Their attitude was entirely different from when I had my children in there, when it was called the BMH (Bristol Maternity Hospital) 30 years ago. The Nurses were caring and made direct eye contact and showed interest in the welfare of my mother, who is 83 years old. They showed me where I could wait whilst Mum was having the operation, which was important as we had travelled in from 7am that morning.

Every step of the procedure was explained to my mother, as I listened, and care was taken to ensure they had the right patient before commencing the operation. She was well looked after following her operation and given a nice sandwich and drinks. The atmosphere was warm and friendly in her ward, and the Doctor even came round afterwards to show us a picture of her womb with it's Polup in. Quite incredible that was.

I could not fault them in anyway and I was actually quite impressed. My recollections of a harsh and distant Nursing force and Doctors from 1979 vanished into thin air, as I was left with a good feeling.

I think the only bad feature of my Mother's treatment was that she was given the Choose and Book system by her GP, which turned out to be difficult. She was only offered an initial appointment with the hospital 3 months after she had gone to her GP with her problems in June of that year. Her hospital appointment was not available until 29th Sept. If this had been anything more sinister, I feel it would have been the fault of this delay. Fortunately it wasn't, but by this time we were beginning to wonder if it was Cancer, as she was in pain and not well at all. I think for elderly people it would perhaps be better if the Doctor themselves booked the first hospital appointment, as more notice is taken of them when initiating an appointment.

Confusion and lack of knowledge of modern computer systems and telephone procedures, is a prevalent aspect of old age, and I think really is sometimes too much to ask of people. Not everyone is a Silver Surfer! From my experience, deafness or second language can be a huge strain for 80year olds especially if their memory is also fading. I think anyone who is say over 75 should have their appointments chosen at the Doctors surgery, as before.

Other than this all went well and I for one was totally impressed with the

'New Attitude' of care which obviously helps with the healing process, if patients are treated with respect, care, interest and concern.

Thank you.