Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)

I attended an appointment at RD&E fractures outpatients today. I arrive 30 mins early as I needed an X-ray and I was told to be early so I could get my hand looked at at the time of my appointment. I informed the receptionist that I was so early because I needed to go for an X-ray first, I then wait an hour to be seen only to be told - you need to go for an X-ray! The receptionist completely failed to pay any attention the the information I gave them. The waiting room wasn't even busy to distract them. Now I have to wait even longer for an indefinate amount of time whist my wife and baby wait outside in the car.

Very annoyed.

I have recently had a knee operation in RDE hospital and I feel I must take this opportunity to say how good and pleasant a stay it was. I was in over the Easter holidays on Dyball Ward and I couldn't fault the staff at all. Right from the start we were all made to feel comfortable and our visitors were given a little extra visiting time, which it being the holidays was much appreciated. Everyone of the staff without expectation was friendly. The ward was kept clean and tidy at all times. The nurses were attentive and made you feel nothing was too much trouble. My only criticism would be the bottom sheet on my bed,it was for ever sliding down, the nurses then having to keep returning to the bed to pull the said sheet back up. A solution to this would be simple,have a fitted sheet on the mattress.

I had both hips replaced at PEOC in September 2012 and Jan 2013 and, despite these being complex operations on poorly formed hips, the treatment, and after care on Tavy Ward, was first class. Appointments were kept, staff clearly explained what was going to happen and the ward staff took wonderful care of me. Even the food was good compared to previous hospital experiences.

My only reservation was poor communication about pain relief medication for the first operation, which was quickly rectified by the doctors and nurses once the problem was realised.

When I needed an urgent after care appointment this was arranged for the next working day, which I was very impressed with.

All in all a great hospital and first class staff.

Just signed off after broken ankle operation, hospital stay and aftercare. Throughout I met nothing but kindness,courtesy and professionalism from all the staff involved.

I recently went to the hospital prior an operation for the pre op assessment, the nurses (three at the time) were absolutely delightful, funny and friendly and informative.

I was assessed in no time and although prepared for a 3-4 hour visit was done and out after just 2 hours.

The parking was a problem as the disabled was in adequate for my needs i can only walk 50 yards at a time, but once in the department I was really comfortable.
Thank you to all involved.

Very happy to see the Consultant on friday 23rd november and to be told he could operate on me the following tuesday 27th november. The operation went well and the staff were lovely.

Having waited 46 weeks for spinal surgery I advise patients to check the referral to treatment data before going on the wait list. Exeter has a real problem treating spinal patients but no one is upfront and honest about it. Consider going elsewhere if you think you need treatment fairly quickly. Forget about the 18 week pledge as this is not happening here and no action seems to be taken by either the hospital trust not the PCT. Disgraceful .

My unexpected week in hospital after fracturing my ankle was so pleasant. I returned for two operations after and the care I received was fantastic.

Special thanks to the team at the Fracture Clinic. I hope you get the extra facilities and staff you so desperately need.

What I liked

I have been receiving treatment at the Orthopaedic Centre for the past year and a half and I have always received outstanding care and consideration. Yes, I did have my operation cancelled several times but we all know that the NHS is at it's limit.
But with a little bit of patience's I received my operation and i'm on the mend.

I would just like to say a massive thank you to every single member of staff that treated me with such great care and respect and the Othopaedic surgeon "You are a legend" and to their secretary you really do deserve a great big shiny medal.

Thank you so much for making me better :0)))

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What I liked

Emergency care, anyone who has been treated in a hospital abroad - not a good experience, as I have, will be thankful for the proficiency of NHS.

Staff who treated me knew my name, were kind, polite and efficient. I was treated with care and consideration. My thanks and appreciation.

After being brought into A&E by ambulance after fracturing my ankle I was treated and sent home in a temporary cast within 2 hours, maybe I was just lucky, I had expected a longer wait. I was recalled by the fracture clinic the following day after my consultant viewed the x-ray and had to have the plaster cast re-applied. This reassured me that although I had not met my consultant yet, at least he was aware and monitoring my care.

Again I was treated promptly and with care and attention.

I still have a long way to go but I am heartened by the treatment I have received, so far.

What could have been improved

It was clearly explained that surgery would be required and that it would be difficult to say when that will take place - there being several variables. Being self-employed this means that I am unable to plan my own work efficiently. I was told that many people find this frustrating - I can understand why. Knowing when something is going to happen increases certainty which decreases stress which when it accumulates, increases poor outcomes for all concerned.

I am sure many people have looked at this problem, seems no-one has yet been able to solve it. I do appreciate that whilst there maybe setbacks which no-one can foresee, I think that scheduling routine operations could be improved.