"Lack of sufficient staff and poor food"

Whilst on holiday my husband was admitted to Borders General Hospital in Melrose. Two days later he was diagnosed with a Stroke and following a transfer to the Stroke unit he was then transferred to Biggart Hospital Stroke & Rehabilitation Unit.

It took 5 days before he was seen by a member of the physio team. It soon became clear that this team were short of staff. (Excellent group of workers).  It became evident that myself and our daughter would need to supplement his rehabilitation. OT staff have also been excellent, but clearly, in order that all patients improve, I feel your staffing levels are unacceptable.

Another aspect of rehabilitation for anyone recovering from a serious or not so serious is good, healthy food! This is also unacceptable, in my view. My husband does not eat red meat, cheese or white bread. There was no proper wholemeal bread available. Sandwiches are always only white bread and Tuna mayonnaise. Macaroni Cheese is not vegetarian even though it is listed as such. I think your dieticians need to update their knowledge of what is healthy food.

On a personal level l do not have any complaints about all the staff at whatever level. I am also aware of the issues facing the NHS overall. However, priorities when patients are in your care, I feel all aspects of Rehabilitation should be prioritised.

I hope you will see these comments as constructive, and will encourage you to review the systems you currently have in place.