"Day surgery unit and St James unit"

Anything else?

I had my hand operated on last week and wanted to say that the Chief Executive should be very proud of his staff in these two units.

The day surgery unit was very busy but we were all dealt with efficiently and professionally with the minimum of delay. All the staff treated us with dignity and humanity. Safety measures like checking details repeatedly were very much to the fore but the process was combined with friendliness and care to ensure we were comfortable and reassured.

I had my surgery in the St James block of theatres where I was cared for by very skilled staff, including a wonderful anaesthetist who gave me a nerve block and sat and chatted to me as it took effect. I was conscious during the operation which was a fascinating experience. The surgeons made sure I understood what was happening and treated me with respect and humour.

In the recovery area I watched as people came in unconscious and were given one to one care as they recovered. A very disoriented fourteen year old boy was reassured and helped to understand where he was as he came round.

On my return to day surgery I was immediately offered food and drink and taken through the discharge process.

All in all, I was so impressed with the process, the skills and professionalism of staff at all levels. Above all, the commitment to doing a good job and treating people with warmth and humanity cannot be forced or faked. It is obviously a strong ethic at this hospital