"Great experience of thyroid surgery (Ward 20)"

As a hospital "newbie" I was very scared and anxious about the whole experience (which took place in December 2012), but I have to say that everyone took great pains to reassure me, and were very methodical about recording information and ensuring I knew exactly what was going to happen. I would recommend writing any questions down for afterwards, because there is so much information being told to you, that it can be impossible to think it all through at the time. The consultants and nurses are always happy to answer anything you might ask, even after the appointment.

The staff on Ward 20 are wonderful, and despite being busy, they were always available to answer questions or respond to a request, with a cheery smile. There were some students on placement while I was there, and they were very good at their job too, with a good rapport between them and the nursing staff.

The surgery itself was successful, thankfully, and the aftercare on the ward was brilliant, with good pain care management, and attention to hygiene and cleanliness a priority.

My treatment is still ongoing, with a further visit to Ward 20 imminent, but thanks to being properly informed and well cared for by my Consultant, I am nowhere near as apprehensive as I was before.