"Pacemaker day care surgery at Barnsley Hospital"

I came into day surgery at the beginning of June to have an op to fit a pacemaker.

I had an ECG first in cardiology. It was done by a male nurse but he preserved my modesty and I did not feel uncomfortable at all.

On the day surgery ward I was looked after by Karen who I had met when she conducted my pre- op assessment. She was kind and reassuring. This nurse took me down to theatre and sat by my side throughout the operation. It was local anaesthetic. She liaised with the surgeon for me when I needed to cough and kept me informed when I asked what was happening.

I could not see what was happening. I didn't want to! The surgeon was friendly and informed me what he was doing at every step. The operation was pain free. It just felt strange as he was working.

Back on the ward I was given tea and toast which was very welcome. I had to wait quite a long time 4 or 5 hours for the bed on the ward to be ready. On ward 36 the nursing staff were pleasant and polite. I was well cared for.

Next morning I should have been taken to cardiology after breakfast but was forgotten and it was about 10.30 when I went down where my pacemaker was checked and I was told that when my dressing had been changed on the ward I was free to be discharged. This was about 11.00.

I was asked if I would mind waiting in the TV room as they wanted to clean my room. I did not mind. I kept asking when my dressing would be changed and about my discharge but felt that I was being fobbed off and was beginning to feel upset. My husband arrived and sat with me and he also asked about the discharge and was told it would not be long.

It was 4.30 when I eventually got the letter. This was the only breakdown in communications that I had encountered and the only part of my stay in hospital that I would complain of less than perfect treatment.

Thank you to the surgeon, Staff on day surgery, and all on ward 36 .