"All of the staff I dealt with were so friendly, helpful and understanding."

I was admitted to ward A23 at QMC at the start of this year for a procedure and discharged the same day. All of the staff I dealt with were so friendly, helpful and understanding.

After being readmitted to hospital due to complications arising a few months later I faced a two night stay on ward A23 again. My previous experience on A23 was amazing so I knew I was in safe hands.

From a ward sister rubbing my back to ease my pain to the nurses that helped me to and from the toilet, although I may not have been capable of saying it at the time I am so thankful for the amazing care they provide daily.

They treated me with so much dignity and were very accommodating and comforting when I told them I'm afraid of needles. I became quite emotional a few times and they all made sure I was okay if I was crying or upset. Everyone I came into contact with took the time to explain what was happening to make sure I understood and I felt I was kept well informed of my care.

I'd also like to thank the surgeons at QMC that made me feel comfortable during my surgery when I was clearly very scared. The lady in theatre recovery held my hand when I was clearly still out of it from the anaesthesia and very emotional.

I'd like to give a special thank you to Sarah for rubbing my back when I was in absolute agony, it might not have seemed it at the time but it helped me so much. I'd also like to thank Emily and Mon for looking after me through the night when I could barely stand up and was sick all over myself. There are so many other people whose names I just didn't get that helped me massively. Cleaners, Caterers, Nurses, Doctors, HCAs, Consultants, Surgeons, Porters etc, everyone was amazing,

Thank you.

The only slight negative I would mention is one HCA that I encountered on both of my visits. During my first visit I was placed in a side room and they regularly left the door wide open when entering and leaving, even though I wasn't wearing any trousers at the time. Their general demeanour during every encounter was just cold and uncomfortable, they would walk straight in without knocking and never announced themselves.

During the next stay I heard the same HCA stood right next to my bed saying to another nurse that they finds it 'rude when people leave their curtains closed' - whilst my curtains were closed. Although they didn't make any attempt to open the curtains I'd just like to point out that this is a gynaecology ward, as I was bleeding so heavily at the time it was pointless me wearing any bottoms, and I wasn't given a gown until my second day there after I was sick on my clothes. If I had my curtains open all day I would be exposed to everyone whenever I wanted to get into my chair or walk around etc. I wouldn't be able to maintain my dignity and as I was so emotional and crying so much I just didn't feel like having my curtains open for the whole day.

I definitely would not say this made my stay unpleasant, in the same circumstances I would choose to return to A23 over another ward every time.