
Over all I was treated very well and staff were very pleasant.
Pre-op literature was vague and not geared to the patient's individual procedure. It was all generalisation and I had to telephone the booking line to ask was mine an overnight stay as I needed to organise accommodation for my husband as we lived a good distance away.
Organisational and communicational lines could be improved. At my pre -op appt, the nurses at first weren't sure why I was there until I told them and then when I asked questions, they both gave conflicting answers. It did not inspire me. When I arrived on the day, the nurse doing my induction said about taking a pregnancy test and then asked "Or have you had a hysterectomy?' I looked and smiled and said that was why I was there so she had not familiarised herself with my information although she was very good afterwards. It seemed all very quick with a nurse, doctor and physio seeing me in quick succession and then me being taken to surgery quickly. I did ask the nurse for me to speak to Dr Obrycki, as I wanted to be sure of the procedure as the last time I had talked to him was in January. Indeed Dr Obrycki did come and talk to me in theatre. He and the central nurse and the anasethetist were absolutely excellent; calm, professional, caring and sincere. Perfect. I did tell them that patients are just another procedure for them but I fully appreciated their kindness and skill. In recovery I had a 1:1 nurse who was reassuring and caring; I think she was called Morag. I had lost more blood than anticipated and I was very weak and very sore, but she was very soothing and attentive. I do remember blurred vision of Dr Obrycki and the anaesthetist coming to see me but I took nothing in that they said. I do think there should be some follow up from the consultant either to family members or the patient when they have regained full capacity. The nurses were able to say that I had lost blood etc but they weren't actually at the surgery and so we have to wait til the 6 week checkup to ask questions etc. May I just say too that going over ridges on the ground and into the lift was very sore and its something that can be overlooked but every wee bump, I felt, having had the hysterectomy but I know we have to be transferred back to the room. May I say the nurses were very good in letting my husband be there for me after surgery even though it was late - it was very reassuring and soothing to see a familiar face so I would encourage that. I had an awful painful, sick night but CarolAnne nursed me through it brilliantly. I cannot praise her enough and I would wish for her to be acknowledged. I was not in a good place and she worked with meds and injections and putting the bed up and down and I thought she would be getting annoyed with me but never once did I see her mutter or make a face. She was a superstar for me when I needed it; caring, attentive, always looking to see how she could help etc The next day, I waited on an iron infusion which had to come from Belfast which took a while, but the nurses dealing with me and the ladies who brought the food and tea etc were really lovely. I don't think one night is sufficient for a hysterectomy although I know beds are precious. I was offered to stay another night as the iron was late in coming but my husband was already there and there was no sense him driving home but if I had known I was in longer, our plans would have been different. But I want to say a huge thank you to all concerned as this procedure will change my daily life; please know that even though its a job for many, its a life changing for the patients. Thank you very much