"MAU and KINGFISHER WARD"

Came in with infection, initially didn't feel that listened to by nurses in the MAU but that was short lived, the care there became wonderful, they were so lovely as a team. The Advanced Care Practitioners are incredible and total asset to the hospital, so knowledgeable, caring and human, I never felt like just another number.

The cannulation infection control was varied, some nurses washed their hands/wore gloves and wipe the end of the cannula before attaching an IV, some did none of that and that was concerning as a cannula is a direct route for infection into your blood stream. I think perhaps some find it so common place they have become a bit complacent.

I didn't feel like the cleaning company did enough to keep the floors and clinical areas clean, they wandered around emptying not that full bins. There was blood on the floor and splatters on the gloves box and cannulation station. The snack bags were great, until I heard they cost the NHS £15 each! You could get a meal deal or even M&S items for way less.

I was moved to Kingfisher and it was horrible. Dirty room, bathroom lots of areas to host infection and bacteria for someone immunocompromised. No proper isolation, the door was left open constantly and no masks worn. Again zero cannula infection control, tried to give me blood thinners despite bleeding condition, then never brought stockings.

Only one nurse acted like I was a human, the rest really loud, rushed, complaining, left medicines on the side table and the blood thinner needle. The food was absolutely inedible. That is all went in the bin. They have an odd system that dinner is either a small carton of apple juice or soup...no other options. I lost over a kilo and a half in 3 days as I wasn't fed for over 24hrs, I was told they couldn't just bring me a sandwich, there were no lactose free or vegetarian options. With my health issues I need high calories so this has set me back massively. I would hate to be on that ward again and hope that others are much nicer than that. 

I get that they're likely over worked and underpaid, but I believe the hospital should sort out the cost of the cleaners and catering and give that to the staff. It shouldn't transfer down to patients who don't want to be there anyway and are unwell and need care and help. Why have hospitals become a place to fear and assume you'll come out with more infection than you went in with?