Going under the knife is a scary prospect for most, but Tony Lyons couldn’t fault the staff at Walsall Manor Hospital for their efforts to make him feel comfortable while undergoing hernia repair surgery last August.

Tony, who lives in Walsall, was particularly anxious after a previous hernia operation in March 2017 had been unsuccessful, but praised staff in the Surgical Daycase Centre for their care and compassion on his most recent visit.

The 70-year-old explained: “I didn’t recover properly from my first operation and was nervous if truth be told, however the nurses were brilliant and were still smiling later that day when I was the last patient on the ward.

“They were waiting for me to pass water following surgery but never made me feel an inconvenience – even though they were probably all ready to go home!”

Scott, Tony’s son, also recognised the patience and professionalism shown by staff while caring for his father.

“He was treated with the utmost dignity and respect from the very moment he walked into hospital.

“He was warmly welcomed in the morning, had the procedure explained to him in full and I was kept abreast of the process and given contact details for his expected discharge that very afternoon.”

Dealing with planned operations, the Surgical Daycase Centre expects most of its patients to be in and out of the department between 9am – 8pm, however Anthony was still unable to pass water at 8pm and wasn’t able to be discharged. Despite the delay, the team continued to support him and did so until 8.45pm, when he finally showed signs of bladder movement and was then able to head home.

Scott recalls: “It was clear that my father was their last patient and that they could only leave once he was discharged. The staff were completely focused on him and his care even though they had to stay over and they made no complaint of this whatsoever.

“These ladies are everything that the NHS stands for – their amazing care and attention stands out and it’s clear that they are proud to serve the people of Walsall and to be part of the NHS.

“The trust should be extremely proud of this team for the fantastic care they gave to a very nervous patient and his son. Thank you!”

Staff commended include Staff Nurse Helen Neagle, Staff Nurse Lydia Miranda, Clinical Support Worker Lynsey Davies, Clinical Support Worker Lottie Holmes and Surgery Co-ordinator Rose Rogers.

Rose said: “It’s really lovely to be recognised and feedback like this makes the hard work worthwhile. It’s fantastic to see Tony doing so well.”

Karen Dunderdale, Director of Nursing, added: “We were really chuffed to receive Scott’s initial email which detailed the wonderful care his father had received.

“I’d like to thank them both for sharing this positive experience with us; both the team and I are delighted to hear their kind words.” #WalsallandProud