Benign spinal tumor treatment in 23 Oncology, Spine surgery, and Vascular surgery clinics in Australia

I cannot thank the wonderful people at this hospital who showed great care and understanding to my situation. They were efficient, caring and above all very professional. I cannot rate them highly enough. They deal with some very difficult people and situations and to their credit come back next shift to do it all again. They are special people who should be recognised for their effort.

The doctors and Medical staff are great and they deserve a 5 star based on my experience. However, the Hospital desperately needs to look into how their back office staff treat people. My mother was admitted as an overseas patient. When she was discharged, a lady came and asked us to go to a private area and she put some papers asking me to sign it. When I asked her what I was being asked to sign, her response was “will explain once you have signed it.” When I declined, she started getting aggressive and rude. It came to a point that I had to ask her to get a second person come in and witness what she her aggressive and pushy behaviour. Finally when a second person was present in the room, her behaviour changed to an angel. Then we went through the invoice realising that we were charged for 3 nights when mom was admitted for 2 nights only. There were other errors as well. I am writing this because I hope that this will alert private patients and they are prepared to deal with these scenarios.

I had to have an emergency surgery on the 11/11/2023. I just want to thank the Staff at the hospital for such a professional , polite and extremely well co-ordinated care from start to end . From arriving at the beginning and being interviewed by the first point of contact (nurse) and then the admin staff, both professional and friendly. When the nurse from the Emergency Department came to fetch me , she was brilliant in her care, after the Doctor saw me . She was so thorough and careful in attaching my drip for my medication . She was so careful in finding a strong vein to take my blood , and answering any questions I asked her. What an amazing nurse. The doctor was also polite and friendly and explained what needed to be done . One of the surgical team came to speak to me as well and told me exactly what the surgery was all about , also friendly and polite . They then moved me to a ward and the PSA staff member was friendly and polite. At the ward , there was a student nurse and she was so professional in her manner of asking questions and checking my Blood pressure , temperature and oxygen , she even went to find my wife a chair. When the student's shift ended , the nurse that took care of me was even more amazing , explaining what was going to happen and reassuring me , went with me to the theatre and escorted back after the surgery. Took great care in her treatment of me , with pain relief and antibiotics through my drip. I just want to say a big thank you to her. The anaesthetists were so thorough and reassuring as well as polite and friendly . Both were so willing in answering and explaining my concerns or questions I had .The anaesthetist nurse assistant was polite and friendly. The surgeon was great , helpful and friendly . Sunshine hospital is so clean and has great modern facilities and technology. Thank you so much Sunshine hospital for your great service from ALL your staff .

Went to emergency department with possible fractured ankle. Staff was very rude and told me to go to primary care clinic. Was also referred to bending health imaging department for scans only to be told to go somewhere else and get it done after being referred to them. Extremely arrogant and rude receptionist.

Went there for a severe oil burn and had to wait more then 8 hours to get checked up. We were told we were second in line 3 people ended up going in before us. An hour and half went by to then get told we were first yet another 3 people went infront! it's outrageous how long you have to wait! And it's was also past 4 in the morning.

Waiting more than 1 hour for a doctors appointment should be illegal why can’t you just book people for a later time? And not waste peoples times for profit. Understand that it might be busy but that is because you overbook for a certain time.

The staff were very attentive and helpful. Arriving at midnight after a workplace incident they adequately took details and then immediately took me through. The staff member was very courteous and reassuring throughout my treatment.

A big thank you to all the staff for looking after my husband. You have done a wonderful job, from the orderlies, food staff, cleaners, nurses and doctors. Everyone has been so kind and caring. Thanks again from all of us.

A beautiful modern hospital with modern fixtures a mall-like atmosphere. The main thoroughfare is lovely but some waiting rooms are small and the multi-stage waiting room system often seems somewhat unnecessary as it is less efficient now that you are unable to check yourself in for an appointment. Instead, you still have to line up to speak with a receptionist - just like you did at the old hospital. The outdoor plaza and the garden areas are a nice touch; hosting community events and providing patients with some much needed respite, and fresh air.

Yesterday, I had to have an operation at RPA. It was amazing service, and the staff were wonderful. All the nurses and doctors were fantastic, and I would like to commend them on their work and thank them again very much. Great job. Thank you 😊

The hospital is hit miss like all of NSW Health. The nurses have mental health issues so depending on which nurse you get, either you will receive good care or be subjected to abuse like having your meds not given, information not provided, details not passed to your doctors (who often review remotely so you don’t see them every day). The outsourced food is not relevant to your needs and not replaced with adequate nutrition if you have allergies etc. I saw one new father deliberately kept outside because the nurses didn’t like him then watched them laugh at the struggling new mum who was doing things without support and the nurses just watched, didn’t help her. Same with trying to get information from Doctors, they simply don’t talk to you. The information provided by the nurses is often half-truths designed to placate people not be honest with them.

I don’t know if they will see it but thank you so much to Maddie, Lisa, Eva, Greg, Todd and all of the other overworked nurses and drs who looked after me whose names I didn’t catch or couldn’t remember. I just had my appendix out and it was my first ever hospital visit and everyone was so kind and attentive. I really appreciate how hard you all work. Thank you so much ♥️

I can't thank the staff enough. Our time at RPH was outstanding care. The nurses do amazing job. These people who work in our hospitals are angels. I understand our health care system has its hiccups. But with put there care my son would not be in the great care he us today

I want to thank the Emergency Department Dr Poppy when my Dad was brought in after collapsing at home on the 10th of November. He was then transferred to ICU and looked after by Dr Peter. We can’t thank all the nurses and doctors enough! Your kindness and care were outstanding. You always kept us up to date and had time to explain Dad’s situation.

I was hit by a car on Wednesday whilst riding my scooter home from TAFE and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital for emergency by ambulance. I want to thank all the paramedics, nurses and doctors who looked after me and did every possible test to make sure my bones and internal organs were not affected by the collision. I stayed there from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. the next day and was discharged after confirmation. I only had muscle injuries and was able to return home safely. Thank you so much for all the support and kidness ❤️

A big shout out to the doctors and nurses at Dickinson south building level 2. Your care is elite. Your all angels that deserve amazing lives. May God bless all of you Doctors, Nurses and health care professionals.

I’ve been in the Emergency Department of Prince of Wales, a number of times in my life. I waited a very long time only once. I had only 1 bad experience where I was in observation in bed and I could not get a peaceful sleep as the doctors kept checking on me every hour and kept my light on the whole time. The next day, they forgot to remove the IV from my arm and sent me home. Overall, not too bad experience.

Tammy was an excellent night nurse who woke me up very gentle and made sure i was ok. She distracted me from my injury and made my stay very calm and comfortable. I am very thankful to of had her as my nurse :)

I had an excellent experience at St Vincent's. During admission and discharge the Admin staff were friendly and efficient. The nursing staff were very professional and made me feel comfortable both prior to and post-surgery. Physios didn't make me feel like I had to overdo exercises post-surgery and the room service means of ordering meals is a great idea. And the food was good. Overall, great experience.

Recent day surgery at St V's. Staff were friendly and professional from the moment I entered the building. Could not fault the process from start to finish. Highly recommended this hospital.

"St. Vincent's Hospital in Toowoomba provides exceptional healthcare services. The staff is highly professional, caring, and knowledgeable, ensuring patients' well-being. The facility is well-maintained and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The overall experience was positive, with efficient processes and minimal waiting times. However, improvements can be made in terms of communication and providing more information to patients. Nonetheless, I highly recommend St. Vincent's Hospital for their top-notch medical care."

Hospital was so clean, smells so good everywhere you go! Room service was the bestest! Food was fantastic! Staying there was like staying at a hotel! Friendly and very accomodating staff members!

Excellent facilities, from the admin to nurses and doctors. I cannot recommend this hospital enough, everyone was amazing, room was clean and quiet and the food was good too!

I had my very first planned Surgery at St vincent private hospital Werribee, very clean, calm environment. Starting from admission to post surgery care and till you go home, everything is excellent, the staff - I was with Dr Adam Boyt and team, Anaesthetists - Peter and support staff, Ema make you feel relaxed. Post surgery when I was in recovery room, remember somehow person waking me up and taking at-most care - I believe he is John or Ron my apologies for the name. After moving to my own specious private room Francies and Liam took very good care of me. At any moment they were ready to help you for anything. Overall very much satisfied with the care and services @Vincent Hospital. I think you should start private emergencies as well. 🙂. Going to write amazing Review separately for Dr Adam Boyt and Team.

If you want to feel safe, respected and that you will recieve decent care, then don't go to this Emergency Department. The street from the car park to the ED is dark and deserted, the triage nurse was condescending and kept trying to put words int my mouth about my own pain to minimise it. The admin person was deadpan and complained that my doctor was not on their records at the same address I had for her. She kept looking at me like it was my mistake. The room seemed deliberately set up to get rid of people, the temperature was freezing cold, the television was so loud that people were having trouble hearing their name called. It also forced staff to yell names out, contributing to the excessive unreasonable amount of noise. Some poor baby was crying, clearly distressed, for half an hour (seemingly unattended) and three elderly people were left in cold uncomfortable seats that caused my body pain, so I hate to imagine their pain. And to top things off, the hand sanitiser was empty, so chances are if you touched anything, it would have germs on it. Just don't go there. Clearly they don't want you and you will be in more pain leaving than when you arrived.

The emergency staff and most of the nurses were fantastic. Once you reach the maximum subsidy they get from the commonwealth government regardless of how sick you are. You are moved to the ends of the hospital with no care or caring. I was told my private health insurance made no difference here and I should be in a private hospital. We wonder why our health system is so screwed up. This is a great indication why. I will be going private from now on. I know where my business is not wanted.

My friend was in hospital for 5 hours complaining she was unable to breathe due to a most likely respiratory infection. She got let into emergency pretty fast but then after getting a few blood tests and a cannula nothing else really happened. After the cannula, the doctor said she most likely had an infection, she asked them ‘what type of infection’ and he said ‘I don’t know, I’ve only known you for two minutes’. And then after waiting for a while, we asked another nurse if we could just get an update and she said ‘if we ask the doctors, that means they stop working’ and then opened our curtain and wouldn’t let us shut it because ‘she wouldn’t be able to see we were there’. Then after another hour we asked to leave and then the nice nurse that we liked said we could because they did all they could, when they could’ve told us that many hours ago. We still have no idea what is wrong with our friend #emo 😖

Thursday 8th December 9.30pm to 2.30 Janice the nurse in emergency was amazing. She was kind and caring and looked after my son who was having heart problems. Thank you so much Janice! The doctor was also lovely A kind Irish man Very helpful, answering all of our questions.

my partner was taken into the ER on tuesday afternoon and spend all night and all morning wednesday there, the nurses were amazingly dutiful and took great care of both him and me. our nurse sarah went above and beyond for us and did her best to make us comfortable and keep him in the best condition possible at the time. i'm super thankful for all the nurses.

Long waits for surgeries and wait times can take over an hour for a booked appointment. A Dr or two aren’t helpful but staff do their best with the pressure and demand they are under. I have been going to this hospital since birth. They are doing more renovations so it should more upgraded within the next few years. Apart from that staff and nurses are great. Cafes and plenty of food and coffee to grab whilst you wait.

You will probably die before you get your waitlist surgery appointment date, unless another hospital saves you out of your misery. Stay away from this hospital as there is absolutely no compassion here!!

This was my fourth time at this hospital for post-surgery exercise, today I had two other people's records on my file. The staff member that was assigned to me, was confused because of this. I was there for my back exercise, not my hip or knee. You can only blame the Qld health office staff for this. THANK GOD I WAS NOT HAVING A OPERATION. ANOTHER MISTAKE FROM QLD HEALTH

I had a hemorrhage type stroke in the ER room after being denied the usage of Ryan's Rule, staff is extremely rude and unprofessional. Since the stroke I have been refused triage and denied medical treatment every time I attempt to present to emergency with the Doctor's very rudely telling me they aren't going to treat me and to go home during my acute medical episode which included my brain actively hemorrhaging. Have only ever received treatment when the Police have done an EEA which involved the staff drugging with me high amounts of Morphine the first time and Fentanyl the second time making me unconscious for the EEA before releasing me outside which resulted in me getting hit by a car. Incredibly disgusting behavior by an abhorrent group of staff and pathetic excuses for Nurses and Doctors.

I had self funded surgery here 6 weeks ago. My surgeon and anaesthetist were amazing. 10/10. The nurses I had when I came out of recovery were great. Attention to detail, caring, wonderful. The nurses I had the following day were average. The surgery cost $11950, I was in hospital less than 18 hours. My admission was messed up, so after fasting from 9pm for an 8am surgery, I wasn’t admitted until after 4pm. Surgery went great and was out of recovery by 8pm. The next morning I wasn’t given any fluids or anything and was discharged not long after waking. I was given the wrong discharge papers and medication scripts too. Please do better in future. I would definitely think twice about having surgery here again.

All the staff at the Wesley are amazing. Even when staff are super busy, they are friendly, they make time for you and your every concern. The staff look happy and appear to work as a well oiled team. Comfortable rooms and great food choices (including Vegan options) and service. Remember, it is a Hospital not a restaurant. It really is the best! Thank you Wesley

Professional staff, every nurse and doctors were amazing at the Wesley hospital. Special thanks to Dr GOUGH who performed an excellent thyroid operation.

Saved my life (twice). Had I been anywhere else I would be 6 foot under. Thank you so much to all the staff who helped me and medical records in particular Ms Gee who was highly competent. I would like to thank the surgeon and staff who operated on me. I simple do not understand the negative reviews here, try going to other parts of the world and see healthcare others have. Thank you.

I recently had a positive experience at Canberra Hospital, and I'm eager to share my feedback. Dr. Phillip, the surgeon, delivered an outstanding level of care, demonstrating expertise and professionalism throughout. Nurse Manita was incredibly cooperative, ensuring I felt comfortable and well-informed during my stay. The follow-up care from Nurse '' ROSE'' was exceptional—her kindness, care, and sweet demeanor made a significant difference in my overall experience. I appreciate the dedication and compassion displayed by the medical team at Canberra Hospital.

Very professional staff working efficiently and compassionately under enormous pressure due to a chronically underfunded hospital system. Many of the negative reviews reveal narrow minded attitudes and highly unrealistic expectations of a stressed public health system. We are lucky to have such a hospital in Canberra, which last I was aware is actually the second busiest trauma hospital in the nation- accepting patients not only from Canberra but transfers from regional areas and Sydney.

Waited since 11pm to be seen, at 5.30am was taken in to be seen by a doctor, 7am and still not seen by a doctor and asked to leave the room and bed as someone else needs it. Absolutely shocking. One doctor on. We are in Australia and cannot receive decent medical attention. Disgusted and will never return here. Triage staff rude.

UPDATE CANCELS Pediatric APPOINTMENT OF MY FIVE YR OLD NEPHEW A DAY BEFORE BY TEXT AND SAID ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WILL BE SENT OUT BY MAIL. NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Looking abit disheveled bc of lack of sleep and nurse looks me up and down with a judgey look on her face and rolls her eyes. Honestly the nurses are awful. Trainee nurses can't hit veins and be disclosing personal information about themselves (that they take Zoloft, while forgetting to tell drs I need pain medication, put hot tea in front of my face nearly permanently scarring my eye, also forgetting to ask Drs to check my cervix which nearly led to the loss of my baby and when it finally was checked baby was about to be born her head was past cervix expected to deliver baby on my own and i was unessasarly on heavy painkillers for longer which led to withdrawal symptoms for my child.) Honestly completely unprofessional if they're having a bad day. Old hospital is falling apart while private is upgraded. Honestly if your overworked you shouldn't be working. And that's part of your training. Completely alienated by the nurses looking after my child, it's literally fd up. No information on breastfeeding just yes or no and then a pump sent to my room. Resulting in potentially life threatening mastitis. Along with completely messing up my mental health the social workers seriously need to learn some decorum or at least basic manners.

80 year old woman sat in ED waiting room after botched abdominal surgery in regional hospital. Sat in wheelchair for about five hours in FMC ED after being hastily sewn up by regional surgeon. No pain relief given, eventually admitted into ED and given a bed around 11:00 pm, seen by doctor around 4:00 am the following morning… Eventually admitted to appropriate ward where the specialist and nurses have been brilliant!

Gross negligence in patient care- avoid this hospital like the plague.. it’s an absolute joke. if I could give no stars I would. If you value your life and want a good chance of recovery and not to die due to poor nursing and “specialist care” - DO NOT GO TO GREENSLOPES… you have been warned.

Had private health cover for most of my adult life and one time I needed to use it, the experience was so horrible. I’ve triggered Ramsay rule 3 times without success, was told medical director was going to see me, but that did not ever happen. I was eventually transferred to a public hospital, and experience was so much better.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the hospital and its incredible team for the exceptional support and care we received during my cesarean section. The nurses and Midwife were outstanding, the food was worthy of a 5-star hotel, and Dr. Melissa Mckenzie proved to be the best in the world. Every detail of our stay was handled with professionalism and warmth, making us feel cared for and comfortable. Even after 5 days, I would have wished to extend our stay because they made us feel at home. Highly recommended! Thank you all for making this moment so special and peaceful for my baby and me. 👶🌟"

Wouldn’t recommend as a private patient, during fasting the staff ate in front of you and it was loud and chaotic. It’s outdated and worn down. Worst experience of a hospital I have had. Was offered a sandwich at the end that had condensation on the plastic. Communication was terrible. Sat for 2.5 hours with no updates. The clothes given to wear for surgery was scratchy and uncomfortable. Bed sheets had stains. Understaffed and overbooked.

I stayed overnight in Ward 5D (Orthopedic ) in July 2023. The nurses and other staff were excellent. The only problem I had was the constant ringing of the bell. It was so loud . No one seem to be concerned about it . I did not get a minute of sleep even though the nurse gave me earplugs which didn’t block the noise at all. One staff told me the noise is always ongoing. Can they not turn the volume down a bit ? Unfortunately the specialist who treated me operated at this hospital. I have to change to another Dr and go to another private hospital if I need orthopedic treatment in future. I have mentioned this noise problem in the survey I completed post discharge. I have not received any explanation .

What can I say saved my life end of story great team of doctors, nurse's and support staff I'd love to come back but rather not haha great work keep saving lives your good at it

Presented with chest/breathing problems. Directed to station to give all admin details and make payment. All very streamlined, then waited and was taken to a isolation room. They apparentley should not have sent me to waiting room as l am highly infectious. When in room lost all cell and wifi. Asked many staff none had any idea of hospital wifi codes. 6 hours later at desk again to make outstanding payment. I mentioned that maybe it was a admin role that they tell people how to access hospital wifi as this was an ideal momment. They certainly were able to take money and l signed for my insurance. The slim older woman wirh blond grey hair let me know very aggresively that it was not her job. While at the far end of the counter was a business card with wifi details..... Just appaling her lack of care. Surely patients maintaing contact with family, matters as the hospital phone also did not work in room, however she could not care less and let me know that. The rest of the staff are amazing. After tests l have Influenza A.

Currently staying over night & I’m blown away by the staff. They were all very attentive & reassured me before, after and during. Was laughing through my whole experience which has never happened before! Lovely people who do an amazing job.

If there is 0 star, I will give it to Cabrini. Back in early Jan 2023, I was referred by my GP to Cabrini to receive intravenous antibiotics due to swelling in my foot. The reception in the ED asked me to complete a form, provided my Medicare and Medibank information, and I paid $485. At that time, I inquired about any additional out-of-pocket expenses as I was covered by private insurance, and I was clearly told there would be none. I was then placed on a bed in a ward. A doctor examined my foot and, after assessing it, decided not to administer IV antibiotics and no treatment is required, but asked me to take an ultrasound test on my foot. Since there will be no treatment plus I had several meetings that day, I specifically asked whether I could return home first and had the test later if still needed. The doctor told me he would inform me of the expected waiting time; if it was lengthy, I could leave and have the tests done at my GP, but if it was short, I could have them done at the hospital. Later, he informed me that the test could be done quickly, so I proceeded with it at the hospital. It took me more than 6 hours to finish the test and wait for result. In the end I was discharged without any treatment. During the checkout process, I once again inquired at the front desk whether there were any additional out-of-pocket expenses beyond the $485 I had already paid, and I was told there were none. A few weeks later, I received the test invoice, after discussing the matter with Cabrini accounting team, I was informed that I had never actually been admitted to the hospital. Does Cabrini expect an ordinary consumer to identify the difference between an outpatient ward and an admission ward? Not to mention I was informed by your staff there will be no additional out-of-pocket expense, plus no treatment at all, totally misleading!!! Even worse, after I raised a compliant to CRM Cabrini, received feedback telling me the invoice will be put on hold until review is done. Since then, no one from Cabrini has communicated with me. Last week, I got a letter from collector chasing payment, what an arrogant and disgraceful act! Stay away from Cabrini!

What superb care my darling 95yr old Dad received in their A&E dept!!!! The Male Nurse, 'Nappy', was so kind, compassionate and approachable and so gentle with my Dad. Thanks to him, I was able to take my Dad home later this afternoon, problem rectified and my Dad in much better spirits too! The triage Nurse was really lovely and the clerk, Julie, was also incredibly kind, calm and compassionate. They are a shining example of what all A&E Department should aspire to! So very grateful! God bless you all. 🙏🏼🕊🙏🏼

It's disgraceful for a hospital that holds itself out as one of the premier hospitals. They are not equipped to care for elderly and frail patients who as we well know often suffer from poor appetite and require more intensive attention. . My wife who in her 80s, is frail and weak, has been in there for two weeks and no one has checked her food intake. During the two weeks she only had mostly soup. I had to point this out to them and request for food supplement to be provided. The nurses explain that they are understaffed and can only provide the basic attention and care. On the other hand the nurses are polite and kind but obviously stressed.

After severing an artery and nerve at my workplace, I was directed to attend SJOG Murdoch for reparative surgery by Dr Sharon Chu. From the moment I set foot in the hospital, the level of kindness, care and competence was exemplary. Orderlies were extremely kind and attentive, the nurses and doctors were super efficient and lovely, I couldn't fault anyone I came into contact with. My anaesthetist, Dr James Miller was similarly amazing, taking my past history with genersl anaesthesia into account and ensuring I did not wake up sick and vomiting after the GA as I usually do. I woke up in recovery feeling great, with no hint of nausea. Dr Chu was similarly impressive, not only by doing a great job on the repair, but by being kind, attentive and very reassuring. Her smile lit up the room and completely put me at ease, it made all the difference and eased my pre-op anxiety! My breakfast the next day was superb and ordering off the room service menu felt as though I was in a 5 star hotel! It was delivered promptly with a smile by another lovely hospital employee and was hot & delicious. I truly felt that I was having a lovely holiday, with just a bit of surgery thrown in for good measure! I cannot fault my experience at SJOG Murdoch and give my heartfelt thanks to all imvolved in my care!

Twice I have been an inpatient at this hospital. On my first stay, I thought I’d got lucky and struck a few excellent doctors and nurses. But now, after my second stay (a year later) I realise this is a superb hospital. The kindness was almost overwhelming. I felt like the best friend or close relative of everyone. From the reception ladies, to the terrific doctors (esp Dr Mishra), the amazing nurses, even wards men (thanks Wayne), St Vincent’s Private Hospital is filled with care, compassion and competence. Sure, I love the hospital near my home town in Rockhampton. But if I’m ever in Brisbane and am unfortunate enough to get sick again, I hope I’m fortunate enough to be their patient. Thank you to everyone for all you did for me. I’m very grateful to you. ❤️

Shout out to all of the gorgeous nurses in ward 1A! Unfortunately was admitted twice but all of you made an awful painful experience a million times better. I didn’t like the fact that I was in hospital and away from my family and in pain, but it was like having friends close by. You all actually cared. You were all so lovely, caring, friendly, empathetic and advocated for me. Thank you! You all deserve a massive pay rise!

Recently stayed overnight after gallbladder removal surgery. I was very unwell afterwards, but the nursing staff were beyond amazing and caring. Loved the room service food too with great choices (have attached photos in case anyone wants to know in advance what you can get).

My elderly father was admitted by his specialist to the 7th floor. Just want to compliment staff member Ange Power who went above and beyond for my father in every respect and couldn’t be nicer if she tried. If staff always were so lovely, helpful and obliging what a great world this would be. 5*Ange and thank you for your care.

It’s a great place to be sick , staff are all amazing, everything is always clean ,

Just completed a full hip replacement and initial rehab at St Vincent’s private, I cannot praise them enough! As with all hospitals they encounter their issues with individuals, food, cleaning etc but I felt SVP did a terrific job under all circumstances. I was comfortable both in the room and with the service, well fed and felt safe and supported through what was quite a substantial surgery/recovery process. I will not hesitate to return for any further surgery, touch wood!