"Brilliant care from staff in Ward 15 - Very..."

What I liked

I was admitted to Wansbeck General Hospital as a day patient getting my Gall Bladder removed (cholecystectomy). This was my first every operation and I was quite nervous about the whole thing. I had several severe attacks and after my doctor sending me for an ultra-sound it was confirmed I had a large stone and my gall bladder needed to be removed.

The whole process was brilliant, the staff was excellent and performed like a 'well oiled' machine. I was spoken to by every member of staff throughout the process and talked through every stage. Living in Berwick upon Tweed we have the choice of going to either The Borders General or Wansbeck. When telling people that I was going to Wansbeck I received many negative reviews and was told I should go to The Borders. This advice was proven to be untrue in my case. The staff themselves most definitely went above and beyond the call of duty and ran around my ward doing everything they could for the patients. I was constantly approached by the staff updating me on timings, asking if I was okay and just generally being very attentive. I was impressed at the kind manner and visits to me by the surgeon, anesthetists, and nursing staff and the way they guide you through the procedure. I felt fine until I went into the room to get anesthetic then I started to shake (I was a big girls blouse), the doctor soon had me at ease and then next thing I woke up in recovery!

I am quite a 'stickler' for professionalism and quality. The way I was treated and the way I seen other patients treated within Ward 15 (Day Surgery) by the nurses and staff was brilliant. If anyone is going to Wansbeck for an operation I would feel safe in their hands.

I had the operation keyhole which has left me with 4 small cuts, I am now on day 4 and still sore but I am confident I will be back to work in a week.

What could be improved

Parking at Wansbeck is a nightmare but I have been told this is to improve soon with a new car park.

Anything else?

I can't fault the standard of care I received in Ward 15.