"My relative is presently on Ward ..."

What I liked

My relative is presently on Ward 18,the ward is bright, airy and exceptionally clean.

The outside area is lovely to take patients to as after a few months visiting can be quite hard work and this change of scenery helps pass the time.

All the staff are understanding,caring,patient,not only with my relative who (due to the nature of the illness)can be quite difficult ,but show the same understanding to visitors too.

What could be improved

As appointment times for reviews can be delayed,maybe there should be a waiting room for relatives ,as sometimes it is not in the best interest of the patient to know a relative is talking to a consultant about them .

Anything else?

My relative will be discharged shortly, however there are no suitable residential homes in South Tyneside to cover the care needed .

In an ideal world ,Ward 18 should be used as a guide by the trust to open a home for chronically sick EMI patients,staffed by RMN ,with the balance of care and knowledge the staff have on Ward 18.