James Paget Hospital

Whilst in for surgery the lump in my throat was noted and they said they would be in touch in 4 weeks. 6 weeks later I called them and they had no record of what they said they had noted. They then said to me they would be in touch in another 4 weeks and again they did not get in touch or could not find any record of me being in on my initial visit. Finally I got seen, an x-ray was done, I was referred to Norfolk and Norwich and I found out I had cancer. It has now spread everywhere. I will always wonder if it had been diagnosed earlier whether I would be a survivor rather than with a 'death sentence'.

I was admitted to JPUH in the Day Care Ward for a Laporoscopy.
My husband took me, we waited together in the waiting room until a nurse came to admit me at which point I had to say goodbye to my husband.

The nurse took me down to the bay I was allocated, she showed me to ‘my space’ asked me to put the hospital gown on. The space had an operating bed, chair, wheeled table and curtain around. Although I was very tearful and felt alone. I feel now the nurses left me to deal with my emotions independently at the time it felt isolating.

About half hour later a nurse came to take my observations, and explained the surgeon and anethatist would be visiting soon. The nurse also told me that I was currently 2nd in the operating list this gave me some indication on when to expect my operation to be done.

Both the surgeon and anesthetist visited and answered my questions. The surgeon took his time, however the anesthetist really didn’t, my last question being waved off as he walked away.

I waited in ‘my area’ until an Orderly came to take me to theatre. I can not remember his name, but he instantly made me feel comfortable. He explained he was here to take me to theatre, also that my operation would be undertaken in the main theatre in the hospital not the day theatre. We walked round together and talked easily about anything other then the operation which made me more relaxed.

When we got to theatre another orderly joined us and together they both relaxed me, I explained I had a fear of needles, and they went to far as to turn my bed so I could not see the needles again relaxing me.

Both were amazing when the anesthetist came to canulate me for operation. The last thing I remember is them hugging me whilst I cried as the needle was going in. Amazing work by both the orderlies I really couldnt have asked for better.

I remember waking up from the operation crying and wanting to be sick. An orderly was there to calm me and he again was fabulous, explaining I was distressed going under so again distressed coming out of sedation. He explained how the operation went and ensured I was comfortable giving me more pain meds as needed. The surgeon visited to give me the outcome of the operation, although I can’t remember much of the conversation he answered my question and I asked to shake his hand to thank him.

The orderly pushed me back to the day care ward, again ensuring I was comfortable and handing me over to the care of the nurses. As mentioned earlier I believe the nurses leave you prior to the operation to sort your emotions, but after they are really supportive and where the nurses are fantastic.

My husband was waiting at the hospital and although was unable to be with me the staff updated him, and let him know to come pick me up when ready.

I can’t thank the staff enough all were great other then anesthetist, I can’t remember many names but I do remember the support so thank you to you each and every one of you.

I was looked after well from start to finish. As it was my first time having it, it was to good they explained everything in a way I could understand.

The change of system has mean't I need to book way in advance for my regular test. Crestview is our nearest place and so is convenient. Dropping in was much easier & a quicker service. We were given a form telling us about the changes as Lowestoft hospital closed.

Completed an assignment on ward 12. I was told to go and find a trolley where all the records are kept and help myself. I told the nurse I was not comfortable helping myself as other patients' data was there. the nurse rolled her eyes at me.

Supposed to have C-Sect but needed emergency one. Partner had to stay out and didn't get to see us until 3 hrs later. They discovered that my medication was not attached to the canular.

I had a cataract op in both eyes. Excellent experience both times. Treatment outstanding.

Looked after me really well. Didn't have to wait more than four hours.

Twice in three days they were called. Each time they made me feel very calm. They couldn't be better.

I didn't have to wait too long and they looked after me well.