"Admission for surgery"

Recently I was transferred from home to BHH ED  at about 09.00.  After several tests and attention to a particular health problem, I was accurately diagnosed by about 18.30 and by about 20.00 I was transferred to my ward.  I had earlier requested a doctor (Chris) to transfer me to Epworth Eastern as I had spent time there a couple of years ago and was very satisfied, but he advised that would not be wise because of my condition.   

Upon arrival in my room I was most agreeably surprised to find that I had been given a 2 bed room rather than the dormitory style that I was expecting.  About 22.00 I was advised that I would be operated on by about 00.00 and that the surgeon had already been woken and would come in especially.  

As it turned out, it was about 03.00 when I was taken to the theatre and after preparation and interviews I was on the operating table by about 04.15.  After leaving the recovery room (about 08.20) I was taken to Intensive Care.  

At about 17.00 the following day I was moved from Intensive Care and I expected to be returned to "my" room.  However,  my next pleasant surprise accommodation wise, was being taken to a private room.   This was so far from my expectations that the expectation and the reality were literally like chalk and cheese. 

Recently and prior to this experience, I had spent 10 days in an Eastern suburbs  Private Hospital (not Epworth)  and the only area in which both hospitals excelled equally  was the "hands on" staff such as nurses, X-ray staff etc.  In every other area, BHH  was a long way ahead.  In the other hospital, despite being a private patient (that's all they have) I was put into a 4 bed room.  Ablution facilities were spartan at best and on the down hill side of being clean.   

I wish to express my highest commendation for every staff member with whom I had contact.   Beginning from my arrival, to my departure,  each one displayed professionalism, ability and care all delivered in  a friendly manner.  Some of those staff were very senior, others not yet as, or differently qualified but their attitudes toward me were all the same.   

The only negative that I would draw your attention to is my perception of the menu and food which was not to my liking, but was still marginally better than the previously mentioned Private Hospital.