I developed an inguinal hernia playing tennis. I was referred for a repair operation and was able to chose the hospital and New Hall was the earliest available. As a small private hospital it is much more restful and relaxing to attend for consultation or in patient treatment. My operation was a day procedure starting at 4.30pm. All the formalities and paperwork were well done although involving about 6 different staff and huge amounts of paper with much duplication, which I assume is an NHS requirement rather than the individual hospital. The operation was satisfactory but there seemed some confusion about where I should go for recovery and whether I would have to stay overnight because my operation was late in the day. This meant a different ward from the planned one and required some effort to reunite me with my clothes and belongings. Also, being a busy ward and in process of changing shifts the final discharge was quite prolonged. All staff were kind and helpful throughout. It is to early to comment on the outcome.