"So far, so good. I shall await the..."

What I liked

I have been very disillusioned with the NHS following experiences with my mother and mother-in-law and so was a very nervous patient. Due to me being given short notice for the date of my operation there were some administrative problems on my admission, which did cause some stress, however this did not detract from my overall good experience of the Lister. From my first consultation with the anaesthetist and the locum surgeon, and all the nursing and auxiliary staff on the wards, all treated me with kindness and respect.

What could be improved

Whilst I was given information as to what my operation would entail, one criticism I have is that no information was given to me as to what I could expect after my operation, other than that I should no do no heavy lifting or straining and that I could expect an appointment at the hospital in three months. I have found that the website of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Pelvic Floor Recovery) is an excellent point of reference in helping me to understand what to expect.

I feel the department should give patients some information or a leaflet on recovery after such an operation.

Anything else?

I am most concerned that after all this time hospital beds continue to be taken up for days or even weeks by elderly persons who are simply waiting for care packages in the home to be arranged. This is madness. Surely some holding areas/residences should be arranged in order to free up hospital beds to those in medical/surgical need.AdministrationAdmissionsStressCommunicationNervousPatient careBedsWardAnaesthetistsLocum doctorsNursing staffSurgeonsAppointmentsWebsiteLeaflets