"What a difference another Day Surgery Ctr makes!"

Had a frustrating experience in Feb waiting in a long queue for day surgery at another East Kent hosp. So much so that my wife and I just walked out in disgust. Asked to never return to that one and to be rescheduled at another, knowing the probable consequence would be a much later Day Surgery reappointment. So be it. I figured it would be worth it as long as the experience would improve. To my surprise the hosp I requested, QEQM, rang soon after and set up an new surgery appt within 2 weeks! As my wife is monitored regularly by the Respiratory Dept of this hosp, we parked where we often do for her appts, in a disabled bay right outside one of the main doors. We just hoped we didn't have to face the horror of being misdirected to the ward(twice!!) that we had in the other instance. It was so disorganized and very painful for my wife who struggles to walk. This time we only had to go up one floor not far from the entrance, wait near reception for no more than 10mins and be taken straight to the Day Surgery ward nearby to wait for my turn. It was like night and day between the two experiences. We were 'welcomed ' by one of the nicest, most caring efficient nurses on the planet. It was airey, bright, clean. Definitely much more organized and efficiently run. You feel like you matter as an individual and are treated with care and respect. And of course there was plenty of humor exchanged as we carry that wherever we go to help manage difficult times. Much more relaxed and calm was the atmosphere. Exactly what you want when facing Surgery. Coz you never know what could happen. Plenty of privacy as well in our own cubicle, where my wife comfortably remained while I was in surgery. Excellent! The less she had to move around, the better. I was actually 1st to be done within about 45mins after arriving at 8am. Compared to previously having to wait on the ward just shy of 5hrs w/o being operated on, I call this a great success. The op went well and everything was over quickly. Once back on the ward I was not only offered a much welcomed cuppa but my choice of sandwich too! Totally unexpected but much appreciated. All around perfect experience. We got there early, taken in to theatre quickly and discharged very soon afterward. Now that's top knotch NHS service as you want it to be. In fact it was way more than I even hoped. We want to say a big Thank You! especially to the nurse (who we eagerly give 5* rating ...by the by the nurse deserves a raise and more suitable hours for a parent of small kids...just our opinion!)all the Day Surgery Ward staff, including the anesthetist, surgeon and all other staff on duty that day, 22 March 2017. You all made a difficult painful situation much less so. And for that we both are very grateful. Thank you.