"Heatherwood Hospital Orthopaedic Day Surgery are..."

What I liked

I was scheduled for a sub-acromial decompression but with a small possibility of a rotator cuff repair. The pre-surgery checks were thorough and documented clearly. The surgical staff were re-assuring and caring. The extent of my surgery was explained when I came round and the staff did their best to ensure that I was comfortable after the decompression and rotator cuff repair. I had a reaction to the anaesthetic which the staff quickly remedied causing me as little distress as possible. The surgery almost meant an overnight stay rather than a day surgery. The Orthopaedic Unit staff were at all times professional, approachable, cheerful, compassionate and caring. They made a traumatic experience for me manageable. I couldn't have wished to have been in better hands. I would be very happy to return to the Orthopaedic Unit at Heatherwood. I was treated with dignity at all times and especially when I needed assistance dressing for my discharge the next day.

What could be improved

My request for improvement would be not having to go outside between the ward and the operating theatre.

Anything else?

My criticism is not directed towards the staff but towards the behaviour of the other patients at the time. The majority of the patients were aged over 70 (I am in my 40s. Their behaviour during the evening and throughout the night was appalling. They argued with staff because staff would not allow alcohol with meals especially for a patient on strong medication, used noisy electric toothbrushes at 2am, shouted at each other during the night, etc. This older generation showed little respect for the nursing staff who were working very hard to look after everyone. My overnight stay was a sleepless one because of the noise and disruption caused by the older patients.