"Excellent care in 3 departments finished up a nightmare."

I was extremely unwell with Pancreatitis, Gallstones, Cholecystitis, UTI, Sepsis, low blood pressure. I was very ill. I arrived at Pilgrim Hospital A&E in the early hrs of the morning. We had phoned ahead to let A&E know. When we arrived we were booked in, the staff were caring and compassionate they prepared me immediately I/V antibiotics (IVa) to bring up my blood pressure  and all other essential treatment .

From there I went to Integrated Assessment Centre (IAC) ward, on there they were also very professional, knowledgeable and caring; I was feeling so awful in pain and not knowing what was wrong and why I had so much pain.

The staff made me very comfortable, but by this point things were beginning to feel really strange. Late at night I was moved to my bed on 5A, Bay 3a this was where I would be staying. My bed was sorted, it was explained to me by a Health Care Support Worker what would happen, booking in, IV antibiotics etc., 

Around 10 minutes later I noticed the needle dressing on my right arm had come loose and blood was running from it, I stepped out of my bay and walked just a few steps to where a staff member was, I stood quietly until they finished what they were reading, I waited a few minutes, they looked at me and asked why I was out of my room. They said I should not move from my room unless I have permission at which point they told me to get back in to bed. I asked about my dressing to which they said it didn’t warrant a new one.

I rang my husband expressing my wish to go home as I felt this staff member was rude, unprofessional and in my opinion should not be caring for sick vulnerable people.

In the meantime I said I was leaving the ward, I walked towards the door, they stated I must complete a discharge form and that they wanted me off the ward.

My husband came, he’d spoken with Corporate who said he could stay until I had calmed down. This member of staff told him he could only have five minutes. Eventually I settled showered and bed.

During the night my infusion would bleep if my arm moved, it was placed  in the crook of my arm and I felt told off by this staff member for not keeping my arm still. I told them that when I’m asleep I cannot control my arm. They finally said that the only thing to do would be to stop the IV so I can get my sleep. When I woke in the morning the whole thing had been taken down.

My experience on 5A was intimidating and frightening as it was for 3-4 nights. Another member of staff there was also rude and I felt mostly ignored.

What had been the beginning of a perfect admission excellent care in 3 departments finished up in a nightmare situation.

I feel I should report this behaviour, so this does not happen to new patients . The days this member of staff wasn't there, there was laughter on the ward , 

I’d like to thank all the day staff and a lot of the night staff for the fantastic care that was shown to me.

Kind regards

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