We spoke with six patients including those in outpatients, patients that were admitted into wards and those in the post operation day care area.The six patients that we spoke with, confirmed that they were involved in their care. Patients said when they went for their initial assessment, the surgeons explained the options available; they were given advice based on the information they had from test results and X-rays. The risks were explained so that they could make informed decisions.
One person said 'it was difficult at first to make the surgeon understand the problem, but I was listened to and in the end I was right and surgery was the correct course of action.' Another patient said that when they were unsure about what treatment to have, they were given time to think about their options before any further treatment took place.
Another patient said "my gown was warm and this made me feel safe".
We spoke with four post operative patients in the day care unit. These individuals said they were given feedback forms when the nurse came to discuss their discharge. Patients said they could complete the forms and hand them in before they left or they could post their response at a later date.
We spoke to a patient having outpatient's treatment following a procedure and this person told us that during their pre operation assessment they signed the consent form. The surgeon went through the procedure they were to have, they were given the information in writing and the risks were explained to them. On the day of their operation the same surgeon that asked them to sign the consent form carried out the operation.
One patient said that because their operation was delayed to give them time to reach the most suitable decision for them, they had another surgeon carry out their procedure. This patient said before the operation the surgeon carrying out the operation sought their written consent and they discussed the procedure, the risks and the side effects again.
Another patient told us that during the pre operation assessments the surgeon discussed the options available and they agreed with the diagnosis. The surgeon showed them their X-ray to explain the procedures needed and they were able to see the problem. They said that consent was sought again before their operation because it was not the same surgeon but the reasons for not having the same surgeon were not explained.
Patients having day care procedures told us that following their treatment, the surgeon told them the outcome of their procedures. The follow-up treatment and check-ups to follow were explained at this stage.
We asked two patients in the ward about the treatment they received. Both patients said they had a care plan but they had not asked to see it or about it. They said they felt confident with the care they were receiving from the staff.
Patients told us 'I am well treated; the nurses know how to care for me'. Another said 'I was touched by the skills of the staff, nothing is too much trouble'. A third person said 'staff are good, they know what they are doing, and they are very competent'.
We observed staff explaining the process to people in outpatients. These discussions were at eye level and where it was appropriate touched the patients hand to offer reassurance.