Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital – UCLH
I finally had my eardrum repair operation yesterday at University College London Hospital and I have to say the service and care were first class. Excellent in fact!
Because I am growing older by the day, I am more susceptible to illnesses and diseases, which are rather unheard of when younger. I find that I have a few more medical problems that require me to visit various hospital specialising with ailments of the human body ?
My experience with UCLH was the best. The building itself is very old, inside is quite old as well but very clean and somewhat comforting.
The hospital is also a teaching hospital like the Royal Free Hospital. The nurses, doctors, consultants and anesthetists were all professionally able. Their bedside manners were friendly, heartening and inspiring.
Additionally, I had a room all to myself. It was like a private hospital, I was given a welcoming pack consisting of the blurb of what the hospital does, a pair of totes-like socks to use to walk on the very shiny, very clean tiled flooring to prevent you from falling. There were also eye mask, earplugs, dental kit, pen and paper all sealed in a lovely zipped plastic envelop. The pen was so useful, I used it to answer all the quick crossword puzzle of the Metro newspaper, available at the reception of UCLH.
The food was good, there were selections for everyone; those with allergies, vegetarian, who are kosher, also who wants halal food and for me, who eats everything. ? I had the Chicken with creamy sauce, and it was delicious completed with jam pudding & custard.
Bimala was my personal nurse. She was so kind and so cheerful but I also saw other nurses as well, who were equally kind, in the intervals of 15 – 30 minutes taking my heartbeat, temperature, blood pressure, etc. Apparently to increase the level of oxygen to your body, you have to take a deep breath with your mouth wide open, that will also open your lungs.
Prior to the operation I was visited by the various doctors and the anesthetist, telling me what will happen and the likely side effect of my operation. Apparently the ears control the facial muscles, the right side of my face can drop, I could have tinnitus, permanent hearing loss, etc. All wanted to know if I might die during the operation. Reassuringly, they laughed it off and said they don’t do death!
My surgeon was Dr Quinney, who I consulted at the Edgware Hospital. He was very serious but you know you will be safe at his hand.
After my operation under general anaesthesia, I was gently woken by reassuring nurses about 4-5, two were Filipinas telling me Gising na Jean (wake up Jean).
I am so happy that we have the NHS. We should all make sure that it is not privatised for all our sake!