"The examples of teamwork and person centered care was refreshing"

I was admitted to the combined assessment unit (CAU) recently following a 5 day history of diarrhoea and vomiting and generally feeling unwell.

I was treated in Initial assessment first. The staff could not have done more to make me feel better. Myself and my husband where treated with the upmost respect.

I then moved through to an inpatient bed and the examples of teamwork and person-centred care was refreshing. Every member of staff, even under tremendous pressure, acted professionally and at no stage ever hurried me or my family. I was particularly impressed at how well the nursing team went about their day. The delegation of tasks to the nursing assistants did not only make efficient use of time and skills, on a personal note it also made my move through the department quick and efficient.

The only negative aspect of my experience was that there was no toilet facilities within initial assessment and I therefore had to use the toilets in the waiting area. This was particularly unpleasant and embarrassing as I was quite weak, in my night attire and had to walk through the waiting room on a few occasions.

I would just like to extend my thanks to all the staff in CAU as you made a very daunting experience a pleasant one.