"A mix of positives and negatives."

What I liked

I was impressed by the care and attention provided by the ward staff. Their approach was helpful, professional and efficient. I was welcomed into an environment which appeared to be well organised, well resourced and friendly.

What could be improved

Anaesthesia - the procedure appeared to be very rushed and to lack any finesse. I have had general anaesthesia on a number of occasions, in a variety of hospitals, and have not experienced any difficulties but I found the process to be very disturbing and to compare unfavourably with previous occasions.

Following the procedure I had great difficulty in swallowing. My throat was swollen and sore. When I reported this to a nurse she commented that everyone she had dealt with over the preceding fortnight seemed to have the same problem. She wondered whether it was due to a change in the equipment being used. As far as I am aware she did not record that I was experiencing difficulties and, whilst sympathetic, seemed to treat the matter as the norm. The problem took a further 6 days to rectify itself. On previous occasions I have never suffered from anything of this type.

Follow-up - following the procedures my bladder function was sluggish in returning to normal. When I left the hospital at 7.30 in the evening the nursing staff had some concerns about the situation and we agreed that should it not be resolved by later in the evening I would contact the out of hours service. It is disappointing to note that there was no follow-up at all, by the nursing staff, on the next day. A telephone call to check on progress would have been appreciated.

Advisory notes on discharge from hospital - some key points are missing, especially in relation to the after effects of the cystoscopy. Advice given, relating to both laparoscopy and cystoscopy, whilst amusing, indicates, I suspect, a lack of understanding of the patient experience. Having said that, I am in admiration of anyone who could contemplate riding a bike within 24 hours of these procedures!

I used the given contact telephone number on 3 occasions following my visit but was unable to raise a response. I assumed that as this is a day surgery ward it may not have been in use on the day of my calls.

Anything else?

I feel strongly that patients should be encouraged to give feedback. A questionnaire, given routinely to all patients, may help to identify areas which would benefit from further investigation and may ultimately assist in improving the service.