"I would like to thank everybody ..."

What I liked

I would like to thank everybody at Torbay Hospital who looked after me so well during my stay for an operation on my prostate. I cannot praise the staff enough. This was the first time I have ever had an operation and, I have to say, the experience was extremely positive. It started when I was first referred to the consultant and continued to the time I was ready to go home after the operation. It did not matter whether the contact was with a receptionist, nursing staff, auxillaries, doctors, registrars, anaesthesitists or whoever. The service was always the same - very good. Every step was thoroughly explained to me in a way that could be understood easily. I often had questions to ask about the process and was always made to feel that my questions were relevant and important. Even at my pre-op appointment the staff were so friendly and completely put me at my ease. When I arrived for my operation, I was again put at my ease as the procedures were once again explained fully. After the operation I was taken to the recovery room where the level of staffing was very good - almost one to one all the time I was there. I was then moved to Forrest Ward where the level of care was of an incredibly high standard. I was given space but was also aware that staff were on hand when I needed them. They were friendly but very professional in there approach. They allowed me to keep my dignity at all times. These comments apply equally to cleaners, auxillaries, nurses, etc right through to the doctors and registrars who saw me on the ward. The same coments apply to the staff in Cromie Ward where I was transferred for my last night and last day. During my stay in hospital I was impressed with the standard of food on offer. There was, for me, always ample choice of menu and the food was always hot and well presented. The coffee and tea served during the day were also very good and fresh.

What could be improved

It is a pity to write anything in this space as everything was so positive for me. However the following comments, which are not criticisms in any way, may help others:

My pre-op appointment was within the given guidelines but then I wondered if I would ever get to have the operation done as I had three letters changing my operation date. It appeared to me that my pre-op information would be out of date. However, circumstances were again explained to me and I appreciate mine was a non-urgent operation whilst others needed to go ahead of me in the queue.

Following my operation I was taken to the recovery room which I felt was a clean but dingy room. I don't know how it could be improved but, after all, it is the first thing that many patients would see when they come around from their anaesthetic - first impressions and all that!

I mentioned how good the catering was for me but wonder whether the menu is necessarily good for people like my mother who, at 94, has been brought up on the traditional English food like roasts etc. She would not have liked things like pasta or other "foreign" food - her loss.

Anything else?

I hope these comments will be passed onto the appropriate staff and not just used for statistics. Dare I say, I actually enjoyed my stay at Torbay Hospital. My overall impressions were really positive and all the staff worked so well together.