"Cholecystectomy, Day Case Centre and Geddington..."

Anything else?

I would like to commend the work of all the staff involved in my care, from scans, diagnosis, pre op assessment, admission, operation and aftercare. This was my first experience of planned surgery and I can only say that it was a very streamlined, caring and professional process throughout, with an excellent outcome. The overall timescales were better than expected (initial visit with GP in November resulted in non urgent surgery in February). Scans revealed gall stones and my Consultant explained the procedure clearly. I then saw the pre op nurse who explained more about after care, explained my concerns about the effect of my op on my current medication. On the day my day case admission went very smoothly with the friendly nurses updating us all on likely timescales and explaining reasons for the changes in the planned theatre list. I was taken to theatre and kept well and truly chatting whilst the anaesthetic took place. Before I knew it i was on Geddington Ward not the day case unit. It was explained that the surgeon wanted the drain kept in a little longer, and I would be in overnight. My eventual stay was three days, due to repeat blood tests being required, but the surgeon saw me after surgery and daily thereafter to keep me informed of progress. During my stay the nursing staff (I saw various shifts) were excellent, checking on wounds and ensuring pain was under control. I was in discomfort at times, which can only be expected after surgery They suggested various pain relief options and explained benefits and side effects of each one. Generally things were calm, but one morning the staff that do the meals and bedding etc did not arrive, so the nursing staff had to do the beds, breakfasts as well as medication and the ward round with the surgeon. Although obviously under extra pressure the level of care was continued. One patient was loudly moaning at the staff because medication was a little late, and did not want the staff to follow there routine. I politely left the bay for a "walk" to enable the staff to speak to the patient rather than the staff having to take the patient to an office which would have delayed things more. When I had returned and the staff concerned were less busy, they thanked me for my consideration. Two weeks later I am generally pain free and back to my normal routine apart from heavy lifting. The surgeon was obviously a very good stitcher as my scars have healed perfectly and are very neat. Very impressive embroidery! My only complaint is that I thought he would have done a tummy tuck whist he was working on my abdomen. Never mind! all in all, a job very well done. my sincere thanks to all. I did not eat great deal, but the choice on the menu looked fine. Drinks came regularly and I was always offered toast or biscuits if I had not eaten much. Well done KGH!