"Not listened to"

Surgical Observation at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Having taken unwell and being seen by a few professionals, I ended up in surgical observation unit on more than one occasion. I ended up in surgical obs 4 times over the course of 6 weeks.  However, on the last admission I was kept in surgical obs overnight in the ward they have and I have never felt so disappointed. 

I understand that wards and services can be short staffed, however it took over an hour for me to get a glass of water, in which time I had asked x2 if I could get it myself but was told no and that they would get it for me. I then waited around 1hr and 30 minutes for pain relief to which point my partner was with me who flagged it up to them x3 during the course of that time as I was in agony. The nurses that shift told me one thing and then another thing would happen which was completely different, no consistency with the communication. 

I was extremely disappointed with the care I received, feeling lonely and not listened to in such a worrying time whilst they got to the source of my pain and discomfort. The surgeon came to speak to me before being discharged and then when I told the nurse what they said, I was told I was wrong, however I was indeed correct. 

At the other times spent in surgical obs, the nurse in charge was very caring, compassionate and I felt well listened to. They were the only person that made me feel listened to and calmed me down when I was worrying about things. They are excellent and deserve praise for being such an amazing people person.