“I wish I could have stayed longer”

After previous experiences in other hospitals that had left her somewhat perturbed, Local Councillor Maureen McLean left Southampton Treatment Centre saying “I wish I could have stayed longer”.

Maureen had twice had to go to hospital due to suffering with pains in her stomach; and after consultation the problem was diagnosed as Gallstones and Maureen was referred to Southampton Treatment Centre for surgery.

Maureen said:  “I had come to the Treatment Centre somewhat scarred by a recent experience, however from the minute I arrived there it was clear that the staff just couldn’t do enough for you.  Everyone from reception, nurses, anaesthetists, porters, the surgeon and the kitchen staff were exceptionally helpful – and it wasn’t just my own treatment, I could see the same level of service being given to those around me throughout my stay.”

After surgery, an overnight stay and a short break, Maureen is now back at work as a District Councillor for New Forest District Council, a post she has held for 24 years.  She is currently a member of the Housing, Health and Social Inclusion Review Panel with the Council – so knows about the challenges faced in the modern healthcare sector. 

She said: “One of our local hospitals has recently faced closure and I have been at the front of the campaign to keep it in operation.  I think in times when the Government is cutting back on Health Specialists and Nurses it’s important that we tell other people when we receive excellent treatment – and that’s exactly what I had at the Treatment Centre.  I think all the patients are lucky to be invited there for treatment.”