"There were both positives and negatives experienced during my stay"

I was recently admitted to ward 43 after having an issue 24 hours after surgery as an outpatient. 

There were both positives and negatives experienced during my stay as an inpatient. Firstly, when I arrived on the ward the nursing staff on over the weekend were very friendly and made me feel at ease, including the two fantastic student nurses.

After being assessed by the registrar as requiring the need to stay, nurse Jeyamol showed me to my room and ensured I was comfortable until I had an overnight bag brought in by my family. Nurse Jeyamol was absolutely amazing during my stay in ward 43. She was so empathetic, caring and compassionate, with all the characteristics of a great nurse.

During my second night, I was worried as blood was present in my urine, which continued to increase as the hours passed. I have had two of the same procedures previously and never had this issue, so I understandably felt something was not right. I buzzed for the nurse, to be told that they would contact the doctor to come and see me which was fine. Several hours had passed and no one entered my room to check how I was or to update me.

In the end, my mother contacted the nursing station worried after I sent her pictures of my urine and the nurse came down to tell me that the doctor said it is normal and that they will most likely see me the following day. When was I going to be told this if my mother had not phoned in?

I then began vomiting almost every hour right through to 8am. I buzzed for the nurse at around 2am to let them know. They acknowledged same, but again, they did not bother to check in on me until the morning rounds - close to 7am. At this point, I was exhausted, in agony, on my knees by the window to try get some air as the nausea was unbearable!

Dr Cosgrove (who was also fantastic, empathetic and very thorough) visited me around 9.30am alongside junior doctors/students. I explained how the past 48 hours were and mentioned about being up all night vomiting. Dr Cosgrove advised she was not aware of the vomiting as this information was not provided in the handover to her.

Thankfully Dr Cosgrove explained what actions needed to be taken by staff on the ward to both myself and staff. Dr Cosgrove really made me feel at ease.

Whilst still being exhausted, tired and extremely nauseous, a student nurse approached me to ask if I would move to a bay room to accommodate a male patient admission. I asked if there were any other side rooms available that the patient could possibly go to, to which they said no. So did I really have a choice?

I moved to the bay room to then notice all side rooms looked vacant and were still vacant over 24 hours later. I honestly would not have had an issue with this as I understand male patients cannot be in a bay room with female patients, but to not be open and honest (core WHSCT values) about the real reason why they wanted me to move and also because of feeling so unwell it just did not seem appropriate. (Plus, I was estimated for discharge the following morning anyway so it would not have impacted any admissions needing the side room as they were still vacant when I left).

That night, a nurse - also lovely - was in doing my obs and I had mentioned I had moved to the bay room earlier today. The nurse stated it must have been me the doctor was down looking to see, but I wasn't there. So I missed being reviewed by a doctor that evening because I was moved rooms and staff had not felt the need to question the doctor who they were down to see or update them on the new room I was in?

I also had bloods done and a urine sample done with no results provided until the morning I was being discharged. A nurse told me there was only 3 electrolytes in my urine and that I was dehydrated to try drink more - I was told this a day after the urine sample was taken and they asked me was I not aware? Clearly communication is a severe issue on this ward with patients, staff and within the multi-disciplinary arena. 

Just to add, this  nurse was extremely rude to my parents when they came to visit. It was unbeknown to them that only one visitor was allowed at a time, as nothing was said over the weekend when they visited together. The nurse shouted at them in a firm tone as they were walking past the nursing station. We understand rules are rules, but manners cost nothing. I feel this nurse could have been a lot more pleasant and approachable whilst having this conversation with my parents and done it in a more discreet manner.

As a patient, I also did not find this nurse to be very pleasant or approachable. However, the rest of the nursing staff working the 4 days I was an inpatient were very friendly, approachable and pleasant, as well as the cleaners and kitchen staff. These staff are a credit to themselves and deserve recognition for the quality of care and support they provide. 

Hopefully this feedback can facilitate some improvements.