Communication the key to a hassle free experience for busy Christine

Christine Burdett-Clark has a hectic life to juggle.  However, the level of treatment and care she received at Southampton Treatment Centre, meant she had as little disruption as possible to contend with when she came to the Centre as a Day Surgery patient.

As a Mum of two, Christine Burdett-Clark has a hectic life to juggle.  Combining being a Mum of two with the fact that she is a full time mature student who was approaching her end of year university exams and that she is a wheelchair user who's health requires regular hospital visits – then add a further hospital day patient operation to her long list of responsibilities she has to manage, the procedure was potentially somewhat of a burden!  However, the level of treatment and care she received at Southampton Treatment Centre, meant she had as little disruption as possible to contend with.

Christine said: “I was initially apprehensive about having the appointment before my exams as I was so busy.  I have to regularly attend hospital due to other health requirements, so I really could’ve done without what I thought was going to be another complicated journey through the hospital system.  However, after my GP referred me it was great to hear my appointment would be just 5 weeks later.”

Christine came for her Outpatient visit and met Consultant Ms Padmini Prasad, who immediately put her at ease:  “The meeting with Ms Prasad was so different from previous meetings I’ve had with Consultants.  She was down to earth and took me through things really clearly.  The main thing was she didn’t rush me and also made the advice relevant for me as a mother and a wheelchair user.”

Christine was then booked in for her procedure just a week later and came to the Day Surgery Unit at the Centre.

“When I came for the procedure the Nurses were equally caring, just like Ms Prasad was and the big thing for me was the fact they communicated with their patients.  They also ensured my wheelchair was safely stored while I went for the procedure and they brought me a secure box to lock my valuables away in.  They thought of everything, meaning the experience was as stress free as possible.”

Throughout her stay Christine’s husband was kept informed of her progress and came to pick her up later the same day.  There were no complications with the surgery and Christine has since had a follow up appointment with Ms Prasad to check everything is ok.

“The aftercare was just like the previous appointments – clear and personable.  As a person who has to visit hospitals a lot, I can 100% honestly say that this was my best hospital visit since I was on a private plan.  The service is extremely professional and a refreshing change.  I wish all visits and procedures were as good as the treatment I have had here.”

Christine currently has a further issue with her wrist that requires an operation and she is keen to ensure she comes back to the Treatment Centre for that procedure, as well as sharing her experience with friends and family to ensure they know that they can choose where they go for treatment.

“I wasn’t aware of patient choice but now I am I’ll make sure I ask to get referred to the Treatment Centre for any further procedures I require.  I’ve also told my friend to ask to be referred there for some treatment she requires .  I really can’t think of anything they can improve – just continue what they are doing.  Communicating with patients is the key thing and they do it brilliantly.”