"Feedback for Renal Ward 1"

Firstly, I have to say that without the hospital I wouldn't be here to write and I am very grateful for that. I was admitted after collapsing in the street and I can remember virtually nothing of the first few days.

The time I spent in hospital was, on the whole, good, with brilliant care given by the staff. There was, however, or two things that could have been done better, as you would expect of any service.

For a few days, my limbs and throat were indescribably painful. I could barely swallow anything, never mind hold it. Some nurses took the time to feed me, but another lost patience with me when I couldn't swallow a pill. She put the cup of water to my lips and smashed it against my face.

I loved that all staff introduced themselves before asking personal questions or going about poking and prodding. This is something a lot of people forget, and it so important to help humanise the stay in hospital.

With end-stage renal failure, I know I have a fluid intake restriction. However, this was not fully explained until quite late in my stay. I thought the nurses were just being mean or lazy when they didn't get me water. I am sorry about that.

One particularly good thing happened more recently in the RDU. I was feeling really ill one day. The nurse who was caring for me came up to me the next time I was in, even though she was in a different bay, just to check I was OK. Brilliant.

Overall, my experience of ward 1 was a good, with staff who obviously loved their jobs and cared for the patients. Whatever you're paying them, it's not enough!