"liked *some* of the staff (some being..."

What I liked

liked *some* of the staff (some being the operative word). The person who came to check the TV/radio systems really made an effort to talk to me and check I was OK, even moving my bed for me so I was more comfortable There was a nurse who was actually quite nice The porter who took me for a scan was also nice and fetched me a magazine to read as I had come to the hospital with absolutely nothing Also the actual consultant who saw me was very, very nice

What could be improved

Unfortunately I have a lot of criticisms about the hospital. I was on holiday at the time of my visit and do not live in the area. I had been transferred from Penrith hospital (and they were lovely there) and I was alone so that probably made everything worse. On occasions I was left for hours without pain relief. People have explained to me now that I should have pressed the call button for help but this was not explained to me at the time and, not being a hospital 'regular', I really didn't know the procedure and thought it was to be used literally if I was about to die! At times I felt in an awful lot of pain and I was just aware of lots of people walking past my room but no-one came in. I heard someone come round offering people breakfast. I was missed out. At lunchtime I was missed out. When I asked for water or food, I was told I was not allowed any because I had to have a scan. My scan should have been scheduled for the morning according to the consultant. I did not get a scan until 3.30 pm. Later on, after my scan, the consultant seemed quite surprised I had not had any food or drink all day. The sonographer was surprised I had not been told I should drink a lot! It seemed rather disorganised and that the doctors and nurses were not overly communicative with each other. Also, I was not trying to be difficult but it was the last day of my holiday. I had been admitted about 4.00 am in the morning and by the time it reached 5.00 pm in the afternoon I was concerned as to whether I would be allowed to leave that day as was very keen to try and pack up my holiday cottage and get organised for my trip home and I really had to chase, chase and chase again for somebody to speak to me and discharge me. I am not overly assertive but felt like I was being a complete nightmare patient. There was also one particular nurse who was very unfriendly (not just to me) and I heard them being quite cold with another patient who had just been given some bad news.

Anything else?

I just felt very let down by the hospital. I had been transferred from a caring community hospital (Penrith), I was on holiday and all on my own. There is no comparison to be made between this hospital and Penrith. Penrith was lovely and this hospital made me feeling like I could have died in the corner and no-one would have noticed! I do not think anyone really made an effort to bond with me or care for me and I felt like the most unimportant person in the world. I was very pleased when I was able to leave.