the office staff were helpful for the most part over email, but over the phone came off as frustrated and seeming as if the call was inconveniencing them. i understand the circumstances being difficult, but i think its important to put issues aside while speaking to a patient, as a surgery already comes with a lot of potential anxiety. i am grateful for their help in everything, and the work they do, but i believe there is definitely a learning opportunity here. I would not want a difficult initial experience to dissuade anyone from chosing Dr Astanehe and missing out. That aside, Dr Astanehe was absolutely wonderful from beginning to end, a great surgeon, extremely friendly, and very reassuring the whole time. i am so glad i was able to arrange to travel so far, because i would not have wanted to miss out on the opportunity to meet and be treated by Dr Astanehe and her team. I would absolutely recommend her, and the staff at Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Very accommodating, very helpful, and very professional through and through.