"Appendix out!"

After an urgent visit to my GP I was diagnosed as having suspected appendicitis so it was organised for me to come to SAU to have a scan and check that the diagnosis was correct. I was seen fairly promptly by a doctor and then again not long after by a consultant. They were fairly sure that my appendix needed to come up, but needed the scan to confirm. So a while later I was taken for the CT scan, where a very friendly member of staff explained what would happen very precisely. Scan done I went back to SAU where a surgeon came to see me to say it was confirmed and that they would operate that night (or in fact early morning). Again the surgeon was very clear about the procedure, the risks etc., as this was my first ever hospital stay and surgical procedure I did feel very reassured by all that was happening. At about 04:30 I was taken to the theatre and again a very friendly member of staff talked me through the process and what would happen, the drugs applied I drifted off! Then only downside was that my partner had to chase the SAU for an update, but that was because we thought the op would be earlier. I was subsequently moved to Falcon Ward for recovery and spent 1 night there. Once again the staff in both wards were caring and friendly and I mean all staff, nurses, assistants, people serving the food etc. I know there are times when being busy means that pressure gets in the way, but the friendly banter, especially on Falcon, makes the patient feel human at a time of stress. Thank you to all that looked after me.