"Brilliant Standards in Ward 21 Monklands District General Hospital, Airdrie"

I was very unwell and admitted via Accident and Emergency, to Emergency Receiving Unit. The care was of the highest clinical level, the expertise was obvious, and I witnessed several acute lifesaving interventions during the 2 days I spent here. The staff tried hard in a really busy noisy unit, to display compassion and kindness, while running a really efficient service, but frankly, they were run off their feet. There was no drinks, sitdowns, or cup of tea. Totally non-stop, day and night. This is not conducive with valuing staff and encouraging good staff morale. But my goodness, how 3 nightshift could run this service....I take my hat off to them.

I eventually ended up in Ward 21. Negative feedback is really common place from the Monklands, so, right, lets tell it as it is.

I was made to feel warm and welcomed, put at ease, and met only by warmth, kindness and compassion. (I did think, this won't last, well.....it did, during the week I spent here).

First impression was the level of hygiene, huge change from I was here 7 years ago. The place is spotless. I watched the nurses repeatedly wash beds/lockers, never once did they miss a speck, and wore appropriate cover or protection every single time.

The domestic staff worked tirelessly cleaning meticulously, and were audited on a regular basis. This reflects in the fresh smell and appearance in this unit.

I had every test known to man, led by a very efficient Consultant, and was completely satisfied with my medical care. Nurses worked tirelessly and relentlessly, always with a wee sense of humour, we had some great laughs late at night when things got quieter. There were loads of gems, who I always hoped were on duty, Nurses and Care Assistants, e. g. Catherine, Karen, Pauline and many many more.

I salute all these staff, thank you for making my stay more bearable, and forging friendships I didn't expect.

As a footnote, I have many years management experience in NHS, and I have also worked as a Clinical Services Manager in a private healthcare company. I have learned a lot in this inpatient situation, and hope to use these positive experiences in my work-place.

Negative? Mostly maintenance issues, strip light out for a week, toilet and shower very outdated, poor water power, only a trickle. Toilet smelly, possibly leaking somewhere. Food stodgy and very same-old, sandwiches stale and unbuttered. Not hard to sort these issues surely, cough up a few hundred!