"New pacemaker"

Around a year ago I was reviewed by the Cardiology Department of Kirkcaldy's Victoria Hospital for irregular heart beats and following a diagnostic ECG it was decided there was no urgent needs, however I was placed on the waiting list for a pacemaker.  At the time as I was not an emergency, I was told it may take up to a year for the surgery .

Last week, after a few missed calls, I received a phone call to say could I attend hospital on Sunday to have my pacemaker fitted.  As an improvement, can I suggest that the appointment phone call system is reviewed as mobile phone ring time is short and there is no message left or ability to return the call.  I must have missed several calls, putting unnecessary pressure on the appointment system.

Sunday arrived and I was admitted for my surgery.  Currently there is a lot of negative press surrounding the NHS, however I have nothing but praise for the care and attention given to me by the Ward Nurses Betty and Shona together with Dr Chang and his surgery team.  It was a long day due to  difficulty with an earlier pacemaker case, however Betty and Shona kept me informed of what was happening all the time. Due to the early delay is was evident that the Nurses would be working late, for a second long shift in two days.

After about an hour and a half in  surgery my operation was successfully completed and following a chest x-ray I was discharged in late afternoon.

There was also a follow up telephone call the next day to ensure everything was ok..

As a final suggestion, would it be possible to develop the initial appointment e-mail to give more guidance as to what the likely timings are for the procedure.  With so little guidance, and on Sunday morning the admission process was so effective, I missed asking how long I would be in hospital which made it more difficult to arrange my transport home. 

As I said earlier I have nothing but praise and thanks to the medical staff of the V Day Surgery Unit (Day Intervention).