"Comfortable and reassuring surgery"

This was my second visit to Leicester as previous admission date was cancelled after I arrived due to unavailability of ICU / HDU beds which would be a requirement after my scheduled operation. This almost happened again but, thank goodness an ICU bed was secured at last moment so operation was able to proceed. I has become quite nervous about the procedure due to the long wait but was reassured by surgeon, anaesthetist & ward staff who all showed fortitude, empathy & understanding under difficult circumstances; i.e. the uncertainty of beds being available due to highly busy times.

Operation went ahead & throughout the pre-operation procedures; e.g. fitting of epidural tubes etc., all theatre staff were cheerful & supportive helping to alleviate my worries.

Nest thing I remember is waking up in recovery where staff were immediately available to reassure me that all had gone to plan & that I was going to be OK.

I had been worried that I would be feeling very sore & uncomfortable but the pain relief measures were superb & I just felt sleepy & comfortable.

After 3 days I was transferred onto a ward where I continued to be kept comfortable and reassured.

Ward staff were all good, some outstanding, as were physio's & the Stoma Nurses. I had a few difficult days where I felt a bit depressed & had appetite issues but staff did all they could to be encouraging.

There seemed to be a lot of different doctors / consultants etc. who came round over the next several days but I was happy with the information they gave to me & with their attitudes & confidence that I would soon be better & would be able to cope with some necessary lifestyle changes.

Having come through a major procedure I am just thankful that we have such skills available within the NHS; ie. the skill of the surgeons & the professional yet friendly skills of all nursing & other support staff. My heartfelt thanks to all of you at Leicester General Hospital Urology department.