"stayed on ward 34- what an eye opener-"

I just left ward 34 after a 5 day stay and I am filled with admiration for the entire team. They worked under a great deal of pressure most if the time, are continually faced with challenging staff levels and unrealistic patient flow which

I expected in the currently underfunded NHS but what I had not expected was the level of professionalism, respect and kindness they all show in the face of some appalling patient and visitor behaviour. Despite this, I didn't see one hint of disrespect or coolness by staff who treated the same rude patients and visitors very kindly and with the same care as all their other patients..The entire team were warm, friendly, caring, kind, endlessly patient and had a way of putting me at ease. They worked hard to make sure I was as pain free and comfortable as possible and involved me with decision making about my care explaining the pros and cons of how different pain relief methods might work. This made me feel more in control of my situation and less fearful during my stay as they were always willing to listen to my concerns. One member of staff walked an average of 15 miles per shift and I can believe it as they responded to call bells,telephones, patient requests etc. Given the importance and the dedication of the nurses and health care workers in a direct patient care situation, I cannot believe how undervalued and underpaid they are. We pay a pittance to these people who care for us so professionally at all hours of the day and night. Ward 34, and indeed the day surgery team in ward 11 far exceeded my expectations because despite being under-rewarded, underfunded and often unappreciated, these teams have the kind of personal qualities that still make them pull out all the stops to ensure this doesn't translate into a resentful reduced or compromised patient experience.

A massive 'Thank you' to both teams. My stay was a real eye opener. .