Although I was treated at Spire Wellesley as a NHS patient, the treatment I received was second to none.
I was greeted by the friendly smiling receptionists on arrival. I was asked to arrive at 7:30am and after a short wait in the warm, comfy reception area, I was collected by a friendly nurse who escorted my husband and myself up to my single room with ensuite. After she took some details to check my identity, the nurse left me to settle in and said someone would be with me to let me know the procedure. Also, that Mr White the consultant, who was dealing with my case would visit before the operation to allay any fears or answer any questions I may have. I was also told that Dr Coker, the anaesthetist would look in on me to check everything was in order for the operation to go ahead.
Mr White comes across as a quietly spoken gentleman. At my first consultation he advised me of treatment but left the final decision up to me. I never felt any distress at all for the procedure that Mr White had explained to me that he felt was necessary. He visited me before going down to theatre. He also said he wanted a pre operation X-ray as the scar would have to be bigger than keyhole surgery and he wanted to keep it to the minimum.
I can only say a big thank you to every member of staff who looked after me. I was accompanied by a charming nurse for the pre operation X-ray and Simon, from the X-ray department, was charming, kind and assisted me to get on and off the X-ray table as I am disabled. Marinela, who looked after me in my room, was constantly making sure I felt comfortable and happy and Paul, the theatre porter and nurse, who took me to theatre, was chatty and friendly.
In the anaesthetic room prior to going into theatre, I was made to feel very special and that my safety and comfort was uppermost in the theatre staff's interest. Dr Coker, the anaesthetist, was so gentle and was stroking my neck to relax me while preparing me to be put to sleep. I was so relaxed, we were all having a conversation about me living in Africa. The last thing I remember was Dr Coker saying ‘you must write a book, you have had an interesting life’. I felt completely at ease and safe in their hands. Although I had a slight problem getting my blood pressure back to normal, every care was taken to keep me safe. I was asked before going down to theatre what I would like to eat and drink when I got back to the ward. The really kind attendant was very attentive and only gave me my food when I was completely awake and ready to eat it.
Brilliant staff throughout my day stay. In my opinion, I wanted for nothing while in Spire Wellesley. The hospital itself is clean, warm and functional. The staff did not treat me like a second class patient, albeit I was NHS. I had the best possible treatment I could have received anywhere in the world. The staff wore name badges. The beds were comfortable. The en-suite was exceptional and clean. The lockers had ample room for my own things and I was given the bell right next to me to contact the nurses if I needed to.
I have since had the dressing changed and the wound is very clean, tidy and expertly finished. The nurse who cleaned the wound and changed the dressing said it was looking very good.
Thank you so much Mr White. I am looking forward to when the initial wound is healed and the staples are out, to be free of the pain I was constantly in.
From (my) reception to yesterday having my dressing changed, I was treated like a princess. Nothing, I repeat, nothing seemed to be any trouble for any of the staff.
Thank you very much Spire Wellesley.