"Minor op, minor problem but overall, good care"

What I liked

I was well cared for by the nursing staff and my calls to them via the call bell were always responded to promptly. Staff in the Anaesthetic room explained everything before I was put under and was given great advice by my surgeon the following day

What could be improved

I was mindful that my bed would need to be filled around lunchtime and was likely to go home given my problem free recovery. I was told by my surgeon that I was fit for discharge ~10.30 and was given my TTAs except my antibiotic. I was told that this would be delivered by the pharmacy as there was no stock on the ward.

After it became apparent that my bed would indeed be required for a post op patient I was asked to wait in the discharge lounge which I was happy to do-the pharmacist had visited recently and was told that my antibiotic would be available "soon". This eventually came to the discharge lounge after some excellent detective work from the lounge staff but only at around 1pm!

I had organised my wife to take the time to collect me from her busy work schedule and given the occupancy crisis that currently exists within the Trust, I feel that this is an area for improvement in terms of user satisfaction. I am aware that nursing staff may not yet be able to formally discharge some patients due to their workload and responsibilties but mindful that my discharge medications could have been prepared in anticipation for this. The 90 minute delay in getting a basic medicine prior to discharge could in my opinion beeen have prevented by better pharmacy cover and the recognition at a local level of those who may be prepared for discharge earlier in anticipation of a final rubber stamp from the consultant team.