I have worked at Spire Harpenden for 34 years and in that time; I have been a patient for four times for various different procedures. I have often been asked by my colleagues, friends and family why I have chosen to have my surgeries at my place of work. My answer is simple - having worked for Spire Harpenden Hospital for many years I have come trust my colleagues and am confident that I am in expert hands and will be cared for at the highest level.
An example of one of my journey as a patient: Following an acute admission with severe abdominal pain to an A&E Unit, I was diagnosed with Cholecystitis (inflammation of the Gall Bladder). The pain was stabilised and was discharged home and advised that I had to have surgery to remove my inflamed and infected Gall Bladder. I decided to have this surgery at Spire Harpenden hospital.
I made this choice as I knew I would be recovering in surroundings that were conducive to aiding in my recovery following surgery. Furthermore, having cared for numerous patients who have had surgery at this Hospital, I was confident that I had made the right decision to wanting to be cared for in a familiar environment amongst people I knew. An added bonus to this decision was that I was also able to choose the surgeon to perform the surgery and an anaesthetist to administer the anaesthetic. Being with familiar faces really helped me overcome my fears. I felt reassured and very comfortable throughout my patient journey and felt that I wasn’t just a ‘number’.
Following my experiences here as a patient, both my husband and family members have also been patients’ at Spire Harpenden Hospital. I would recommend Spire Harpenden Hospital to anyone who needs to have surgery.
I feel very proud that I work in a hospital that demonstrates high standards of clinical, compassion and caring standards at all times.