"My daughter has hearing problems and we..."

What I liked

My daughter has hearing problems and we have had numerous ENT appointments with Mr Wickstead, who is everything a Consultant should be-caring, kind and involving me in every step of my daughters care. The ENT outpatients department has the most fantastic play area which allowed my 18 month old to play and be relaxed for her appointment.

My Daughter was admitted to Buxton Ward for grommets and a brain stem hearing test. The staff on Buxton made us feel very at ease and making treatment fun and lighthearted for her. We were shown the playroom and she enjoyed painting and playing with the brilliant play specialists prior to her operation. We were made aware of whom our Nurse was, so whenever we had questions we were able to find direct our questions at the lovely lady and not have to explain her case all over again to someone new. Mr Wickstead came and saw us before and after the operation and was excellent in explaining everything that was happening.

We were very happy to have our own room with a cot all made up for our Daughter. The room was immaculate and very clean. Since then she has had numeous infections and a simple call to ENT allowed us to come in and get the appropriate medications that our GP could not prescribe.

What could be improved

Unfortunately the recovery area led a lot to be desired. Our little girl was naturally distressed upon waking up and the Nurse repeatedly kept saying "she is angry and that is why she is playing you up" and everytime we went to give her a cuddle we got told to be careful and not to drop our own daughter. I was made to feel embarrassed that she was screaming the house down.. Perhaps a special childrens recovery area in main theatres may be appropriate so children do not disturb other adult patients as that was geniuely how myself and my partner were made to feel. We were relived when we reached the friendly and skilled Paediatric Nurses on Buxton Ward.

Anything else?

Other then recovery, Id like to thank Buxton Ward, Mr Wickstead and ENT for excellent ongoing care.