"Fab surgical daycare"

I was referred by my GP to see a GI surgeon at the Edgbaston Hospital due to anaemia and possible stomach ulcer (due to work-related stress). I was really impressed with a very quick outpatients appointment to see Mr Ed Harper last Wednesday. He was caring, kind and compassionate and said he would get me seen today.

As it was my first "operation" I was very anxious and nervous. Met by kind reception staff and perhaps waiting a bit longer than hoped for. It really reinforced to me the importance of communication and regular updates. Even being a nurse by trade, I wondered if we had been forgotten or if we were in the right place.

However we were collected by a theatre porter and taken to the day surgery waiting room. A very kind agency nurse came and admitted me. He said his name - and its true. Hearing your nurses name really DOES make a difference! !

It was wonderful to meet Mr Harper pre-op and get the procedure explained and it felt very reassuring.

I felt so cared for during the operation. I can't deny it wasn't the most pleasant feeling even with the sedation but I felt everyone was so caring and brill at keeping me calm.

Mr Harper told me the results virtually straight away and made sure that I had understood them and the following required treatment after the sedation - - and again this made me feel so cared for after years of GPs telling me that "I'm too young to have these symptoms".

A massive thank you to Mr Harper, and all Edgbaston staff! ! Really really appreciated.