"Everyone has been polite, friendly and helpful"

I have recently had a shoulder procedure under the care of Mr Dobson and the team at Cannock Hospital. I am so pleased with the care I received.

At the initial Outpatient appointment, Mr Dobson checked me out with scans first and clearly explained what would operation be needed along with any risks.  He was very approachable and I had ample opportunity to ask questions.  

Following this, I attended for Pre-Op assessment checks and the Nurses were thorough and reassuring.

I was contacted by telephone by a polite Waiting List clerk with my operation date and was also sent clear instructions through the post. On the surgery date, I used the very helpful free shuttle bus from New Cross Hospital that goes direct to Cannock Hospital, and even at 6am the driver was cheerful!

The Ward staff were welcoming and many checks were made throughout the morning to ensure all was clear and there were no mix-ups with patients and procedures. Mr Dobson himself came to check all was well and the Consultant Anaesthetist also introduced himself. There were multiple chances to have any queries or worries dealt with before the operation.  

The funny and friendly Anaesthetics staff then came to fetch me and were superb at putting me even more at ease.  They had good banter and would be a boon for anyone who has anxiety about going under anaesthetic.

Coming round after the procedure, I was gently woken and given a drink and something to eat and was closely observed. Staff were visible and available. Mr Dobson again visited to reassure all had gone ok which was kind of him.

A Physiotherapist visited and went through some helpful exercises with me, also giving me printed information.

After careful monitoring, when it was established I was safe to be taken home, I was carefully helped to dress. I was given a useful discharge package with clear instructions on my next steps and regarding my hospital follow-up, a sicknote for work, some painkillers and a sheet with info and contact numbers on for should I have worries or run into difficulties. 

Finally a kind nurse carried my bag to the waiting area to meet my friend to take me home.

I had a Physiotherapy appointment a few days after at Whitmore Reans which was useful. I then had stitches removed by the Registrar a couple of weeks after and my movement was checked out - again there was chance to ask questions if needed.  Everything is healing but I am able to get in contact to be seen should anything deteriorate which is reassuring. 

Everyone has been polite, friendly and helpful - I encountered probably twenty or so members of staff just on the operation day and each one was professional, attentive and kind despite being busy.  There was a really good atmosphere at Cannock Hospital. I never felt my care was rushed or that I was in the way - everyone was courteous and took their time with me.

I am very grateful to everyone for the care I received. Thank you, Mr Dobson and the excellent team around him at Cannock. (Sorry I can’t remember many names, just Katrina the Staff Nurse and Claire in Anaesthetics, but they were all great). The NHS gets a constant bashing in the media, but I was treated so well and I feel I need to stand up for it!