Having waited some 18 months for (non-urgent) operation to my hand, I finally got the op’ done at Southlands hospital – a satellite, “cottage hospital” of Worthing Hospital in Sussex. It was like going back in time some 40 years or more – to a place where the NHS and its staff were friendly, helpful, knew what they were doing and genuinely cared about patients. I didn’t have to ask for a wheelchair to get around in the hospital, it just arrived, all the staff were friendly and helpful. They even smiled!!
Even though the operation was a very minor affair, I had to be given the full operating theatre procedure, with six theatre staff looking after me, and my vital signs. All completely on the ball. After the procedure, a welcome, reviving cuppa arrived as if by magic. Brilliant, marvellous service.
Had to go back to Worthing to have stitches removed. All back to normal again… scowling, grumpy staff, just wanting to get boxes ticked and me out of the way. (Not the consultant/surgeon who was there to do a proper, helpful post-operation assessment – first time I have ever had one!)