St George's Hospital 2022-07-08 Person 5 5 0

The journey to my procedure started with an outpatient appointment with Professor Morgante. At last someone who really new about my condition and understood how debilitating it can be. Before long she had me on her waiting list and here I am having had it done, I was absolutely terrified of the surgery I was having. I was told to arrive the evening before, ready for the procedure next day. I was given a bed on Vernon ward, no where near where I was having the op.I had come a long way, was scared and felt I couldn’t go through with it. But the staff in Vernon treated me like royalty( I’m not). They had no idea why I was there except to be looked after until the next day. Whilst sitting feeling lost in such a big place, a lovely guy came over from neurology to go through my consent. He let me ask loads of questions, despite it being quite late and I immediately felt better. The next afternoon I went over to neurology for my procedure. There I was treated with kindness, respect and dignity, by Mr Pereira, his reg. Rebab ( who came to me every day, sometimes more often, to tell me exactly what was going to happen each day) and the whole team. Being told what is going on is essential otherwise one’s mind makes it up. Mr Periera, his reg and many staff I hadn’t met or remembered, must have done a very slick procedure, as I was not in theatre very long. The recovery nurses were so calm and soothing after the procedure, it was like a human hug. I am certain that this kind of care makes people better quicker. I had 2 GA’s in 6 days and both teams were phenomenal. Had I been aware of how great the care was going to be I would have less.afraid. Back in the wards, Mckissok and Kent, yet again I felt safe and relaxed by such great care. The night staff introduced themselves each evening at handover, as did the day staff. The day and night care was outstanding, mainly because the nurses seem to like their jobs as well as their patients. Seems a silly thing to say, but there was no gossiping staff ignoring ringing bells, no eye rolling and nothing was too much trouble. The food ladies used common sense and brought hot puds after I had eaten my meal. Sounds petty but it shows a level of care I haven’t received in other hospitals. I can’t name any one as EVERYONE seemed to care like I was family. However, special thanks to Mr P and all his team. I said thank you so many times before discharge, but I think I can fit one more in, so thank you to everyone in Neurology.