"Pre-operative assessment"

My assessment was in two parts: first, various measurements were taken, and second two nurses whet through a detailed questionnaire and some explanation of what lay ahead.  I thought the two nurses in the second part exuded confidence and competence and had excellent communication and patient handling skills.

In terms of what could go better in my view it's the NHS process and mindset:

1.   I wish the NHS could be more joined up.  It seems everyone has their own little bit to deal with and are not aware of other relevant information, eg the letter I had received detailing what I should do on admission day.  So they told me to check in at the hospital at 7 am whereas the admission letter said 12 noon, and when I told them that they said oh fine, go at 12 then.

2.   I wish the NHS would stick with what is relevant to the operation and not to take advantage of the opportunity to push their services and advice on unrelated matters.  I find the emphasis on reducing alcohol consumption particularly irritating.  20 units a week was fine until recently, and in my view the NHS loses credibility when it changes its mind.  Even a doctor once told me that today's gospel is tomorrow's heresy.

3.   There is nothing more ageing than being treated as old and although I'm only 65 I  find I'm treated as old, eg to assess exercise I was asked whether I can climb stairs.  In fact I do regular 20 mile hikes through the Cairngorms.

4.   The focus always seems to be on looking for problems, and consultations tend to be quite downbeat.  I believe there are three things vital for good health, as well as good genes: a positive attitude, being happy/content, and strong family and social relationships.  None of these were mentioned.

5.   It seems to be assumed that I've learned nothing from previous advice on diet and exercise as I was encouraged to register for an advice clinic on better eating and more activity even though I said I eat eight items of fruit and veg a day..

6.  When the first nurse told me to get on her scales I said I weigh myself every morning and my weight that morning was 85.8kg. They insisted I get on the scales so they could see it for themselves.  I felt insulted that she didn't believe my figure.  She could see from looking at me that it looked right, and note her file accordingly...