"Readmission with Excellent Care"

Unfortunately after a previous admission to ward 36, I required readmission after becoming unwell again. 

Once again, the team were absolutely excellent and went above and beyond day after day to provide outstanding care. The transfer from one ward to another during this time was flawless and as a patient, other than being moved, you would have not known it had happened. Absolutely no stress on patients and the nursing staff made no appearance that they were feeling that way either. Well done to a fab team - not easy being split across two floors/wards! 

Special thanks for my overall care to:

Nurse Laura who was incredible on my first night dealing with my pain, nausea and anxiety of what was happening and then again on my second night. As soon as I was assessed by the doctor, you communicated the plan she had set to you to keep me in the loop and began my treatment plan. Even the reassurance of a side room when you knew what was happening in the ward and my previous history was very kind and much appreciated, thank you. 

Dr Robertson and the FY2 Junior Doctor working alongside on Wednesday evening (I am so so sorry, I don’t remember her name but she genuinely was the most incredible kind person, I feel terrible!), thank you for listening to me and my body and understanding what was needed to get me on the road to recovery, can honestly say I have never felt so unwell in my life and you were both amazing that evening in ensuring I was commenced on all the right treatment prior to Consultant decision making, thank you. 

Nurse Martha who popped in to see me on readmission to check in as she had remembered me from previous admission, and then looked after me on my 3rd night. This night which was a difficult evening psychologically for me and you were so supportive. Discussions about the future and ongoing care - counselling and websites were extremely useful and supportive for my future consideration. Despite being busy on the ward, you took that time with me to talk which was very special and discussion around going home when ready was extremely reassuring, thank you. 

Also to the SN who worked alongside Martha on this evening (Friday), I am so sorry I do not remember her name, but she was so supportive alongside Matha, when I had a difficult moment overnight about what had happened, they both communicated with me the entire time of what they were doing and checking for any testing etc. I felt the whole time that I was well aware of all my care and what was happening. 

SN Rebecca who was extremely reassuring on Saturday from the moment she saw me in the morning. Her care was wonderful, offering me to stay longer than my planned discharge as she was concerned about how I was feeling/looking and asked me to take time to reconsider going home. Excellent discharge care in terms of awareness of returning to the ward if unwell. Very clear that the ward are caring of patients and not only bed numbers which as a patient, is everything. 

My husband also felt reassured with my care throughout and was always welcomed on visiting. Included on communication if he was present during any interaction including discharge planning. Offered to come to ward during first evening when readmission decided after assessment to say bye as he was unable to come in initially due to location/timings which we were understanding of. Very patient centred care throughout. 

Once again, HCSWs were excellent, in particular for my care: Lisa, Elaine, Askia and the lovely HCSW on Thursday (based on Ward 36), Friday afternoon (longer dark hair) and the Saturday Morning girls (again, so sorry, I don’t remember their names) who were all so amazing, supporting and considerate of care, compassion and overall journey. They are all incredible and an asset to the ward. Nothing was ever a bother and it is very clear there is a regular re-hydration schedule that all follow, as well as offering tea and toast at all points throughout the day and night especially if unable to eat at main meal times.

A Ward that is a credit to the hospital, thank you again for everything.

My only area that I feel could use a better process was that of prior to admission and the link with GAU. I was transferred here via telephone on initial communication with the Ward due to the times of contacting (1530), however never received any return call from GAU. Although I am aware of the triage process, others may not be and think it would be a good change to ask GAU to inform patients on their initial phonecall of their closing times and that you will still be contacted OOH. This is something I wasn’t told and it would have avoided me contacting the ward at 1930 concerned thinking I was going to have to wait until GAU opening the next day to discuss my symptoms. This is no fault of Ward 36 who were extremely supportive and perhaps should just be standard practice of any call with GAU. 

Thank you again for all your teams excellent care.