"Elective admission"

I was recently admitted into the Elective gynaecology admissions ward in DHH after a three year wait for surgery. The staff on the ward were efficient the ward was clean and everything  was  well organised . Prior to my surgery I was seen by the anaesthetist and surgeon who were extremely informative and put my mind at ease regarding the procedure. The  surgeon needlessly apologised for my long wait to be offered a date for surgery ( WL times beyond his control).

I was taken to theatre and wheeled into the dept.  Obviously a little anxious,  staff were reassuring and helped me feel more relaxed - I’m unsure if the lady involved was a porter or a nurse/ ODP but offered me a blanket whilst I waited for things to begin - this warmed blanket was a godsend - such a small gesture but I can honestly say it was amazing and made such a difference to my experience  - having recently been in another hospital my experience in DHH was the difference between day and night- staff were caring approachable and knowledgeable- the ward was clean and tidy the food was edible I couldn’t praise them enough.

As a nurse myself  I recognise the other hospital staff were under a great deal of pressure but, I believe hospital managers need to recognise the difference between  having skilled experienced  staff not just the right (if possible) numbers of staff without addressing the relevant skill mix and experience which enables them to care for their patients professionally and ensure the quality of care by looking at with seemingly ‘minor’  touches which make all the difference to a patient.