"Staff were professional, kind and they listened"

I was admitted to hospital recently in the afternoon following a prompt diagnosis of a kidney stone. The pain associated with this was like child birth all over again. It was making me vomit and shake.

From the moment I arrived in triage all of the staff were professional, kind and most importantly, they listened. I told them where the pain was and how it was making me vomit because it was extremely intense. They quickly got me into the back room. I spent about 30 minutes waiting with major pain but I appreciate that this isn’t a lot of wait time giving how busy the hospital is. I received many tests and suitable pain relief.

I was transferred to ward 70 on a Sunday evening. I was asked to fast from midnight until the next day for planned surgery. When the doctor arrived  we discussed how my pain had almost disappeared overnight and agreed that another scan may show movement.  I fasted and received a CT Scan in the afternoon and continued to fast until 5pm. I was told my CT results showed no changes so surgery would go ahead. I continued to fast and was not able to be treated the next day. I began to fast again on the Tuesday, and at 3pm I was called for surgery, prepped, wheeled to the lift and unexpectedly called back due to an emergency. It reached 7pm and the surgeon told me again unfortunately he had tried his best but I couldn’t be seen. The staff have been very apologetic, though advised the target waiting time to treat me had been missed. This meant another day fasting and in pain.

I expressed my concerns about fasting often due to my low blood pressure and weight and I was a little disheartened to hear that they would try again for surgery but again it would depend on emergencies. This was the day though, I got the surgery and so far it has been an incredible change in pain levels. It was a very quick and professional procedure, painless and relaxing. The theatre staff addressed all my concerns as this was my first time going under, it was oddly a marvellous experience. I was soon back recovering in ward 70, slight pain from my stent insertion and passing urine but it was much better than a kidney stone! 

I would like to thank all the nurses / auxiliaries / doctors / cleaning staff / porters / phlebotomists / radiologists / theatre staff / students and all staff involved in my treatment. A special shout out to the warm-hearted team of Ward 70! Especially Paula, she really picked me up when I was down and her compassion was admirable. 

Finally I would like to add that my target may not have been missed if the hospital was properly staffed. During my time I saw many professionals constantly rushed off their feet, and I feel this isn’t good enough. They need to feel their best to give their best. The NHS needs to look after its staff, please. Otherwise we could lose this incredible service and that’s not what this is about.