The Blackheath Hospital

I arrived at Blackheath Hospital for the first time for my pre-assessment. I felt well looked after and well informed. I completed a health and medical questionnaire, BMI check, blood pressure and blood test. It was all very quick and efficient and I left feeling positive. The nursing staff were lovely and chatty! The day of my surgery, I was admitted straight away! Someone took my bags and showed me to my private room. I had a room tour so I felt comfortable in my new surrounding. I was really impressed with how accommodating and clean the room and en-suite was. The nurse came and introduced herself and ran some more tests, checked my blood test results and gave my gowns to change into. Everything ran so smoothly and efficiently. I then waited to speak to my consultant and anaesthetist. Speaking to them both made me feel really calm and reassured! Before I knew it I was walking down to the theatres! The staff were all so friendly and kept talking to me to settle my nerves which really helped! Next thing I knew I was waking up in the recovery wing. When I was recovering back in my room I was constantly checked on by the nurses to see if I was okay and manage my pain. I felt like they listened to my needs and were compassionate. I met with my consultant who said how well he think the surgery went and spoke through the next steps for me. After my lovely dinner and cup of tea I was discharged to go home! The nurses all said goodbye and good luck and make me feel so looked after and, even special!! They made the whole experience 100x better!

The support staff at the hospital needs training. My room was cleaned once. The day after my surgery, my allocated nurse was really rude and disrespectful to me. She didn’t show any respect or dignity to me whatsoever. The lady told me “ she has never seen anyone sleep in a hospital as much as I did”. I had to refrain her from taking care of me. It was awful as I couldn’t open my eyes and was just sleeping due to the anaesthetic. I had to inform the nurse I am not a lazy person. This happened whilst I was in bed and in the presence of another nurse. The other nurse apologised on her behalf and said her colleague didn’t mean what she said. I was expecting top quality health care, how disappointing. Something must be done. Perhaps offering bespoke training to the nurse. I cried so much.