"Not happy with care on Ward 27"

I recently underwent a complicated operation which was successful and I am really grateful to all regarding this. However, I did not receive any information about the operation, told by the surgeon it would be done on the day unit and then received a letter to say I had to go into hospital on the evening of the operation. There was no one to ask about this but I did contact PALS who told me I would be staying in for 2-3 days.

At the door of the theatre I was asked if I knew that I was undergoing a major operation! No I didn't! I was asked about the food I had had at 10 pm and the drink at 12 midnight. I had had nothing since 5 pm! Who had written that down?

My daughter rang to ask how I was and was told that I had had morphine. My notes did not show this!

I was asked to get out of bed for the first time by a young orderly without any one with medical training being present. I lost my vision and my BP dropped to 45. I had to be left whilst she ran for help. I am diabetic and had not been given food or drink for 42 hours. An empty drip was left attached for 3 hours despite being advised that it was empty. I was told that they didn't know whether I was down for another one or not. The nurse didn't come back. My notes showed I should have had another drip.

I was told at 10.30 am I could go home when my drain was removed. At 2 pm the nurse who would have done this had gone home and my drain was still in.

As a diabetic the food was totally wrong. Orange juice, creamed potatoes and rhubarb and custard are not suitable for Type 2 diabetics! I had salad for lunch and tea with an unwashed apple for pudding. No food at all between 5 pm and 8.30 am.

Sorry Scunthorpe. The operation was fantastic but let down by lack of communication about the operation and the after care. I will say however that the nursing staff were kind and helpful!