"My experience on Surgical 2"

After a stay in Surgical 2, which I’ve been in multiple times, I have to admit this time around was the best experience I’ve ever had.

Even though the nursing staff are under extreme pressure they still made me feel like a real person who was in severe pain. But there are a few that I feel I personally need to acknowledge because of their kindness, support and honesty. They are Andrew, Molly, Anna, Lesley-Ann. There were others but I’m so sorry I can’t remember all the names.

Also I have to say a huge thank you to all the auxiliary staff who pick up a lot of the slack, but in particular Katherine who pulled the curtains around me and sat and hugged me when I was having a complete meltdown. Her kindness and caring attitude really helped to calm me down.

Finally a big thank you to all the student nurses (Eimear, Ellie, Aoife, Grace and Shea) who couldn’t have done more for me when I needed them. Well done to Surgical 2.

If I had any sort of criticism it’s actually for the consultants. I feel they could do more to engage with their patient. Instead of standing outside the curtains and talk between themselves, I feel at least one of them should come in and talk in terms which a patient would understand. It’s that personal connection that is missing so badly and letting the patient down, especially if they are waiting on tests, results or just generally wanting to ask questions. I realise they are busy people but patients deserve answers.