"A fantastic group of health care professionals"

I was an inpatient with ward 18 for 5 nights recently following abdominal surgery. Every single staff member I met from the anaesthetic team to the health care support workers, nurses, doctors and my surgeon were incredible.

The care and attention I received was exemplary. I'd especially like to note Mr Kasem and all the team in the theatre, the HCSW in the anaesthetic team who kept me calm pre surgery and then the two nurses in recovery, Sally and Emilie who were extremely caring and supportive when I woke quite disoriented.

In addition a few of the staff in the ward -  Liz, Lisa Marie, Stacey, Gillian and Paul -  deserve some recognition. Unfortunately I have forgotten several names of other amazing people including domestic and facilities staff as well as the students. 

The only negative comment I can make is being put into a mixed room and despite several requests to be moved this could not be accommodated. I understood there was clinical need and I required observation, but this resulted in my dignity not being protected. I was absolutely mortified on several occasions. The other patients (men) in the room, although unwell to differing degrees were extremely rude and aggressive towards staff and on one particular night I felt unsafe. It was almost impossible to sleep or rest due to the level of disruption they caused day and night. The staff were incredibly patient no matter what they faced.  

Although this impacted my experience it does not take away from the incredible care and support I received from a fantastic group of health care professionals.