"The receptionist was helpful."

What I liked

The receptionist was helpful.

What could be improved

Special cutlery available in the hospital to use for people with arthritis symptoms.

Security has to be improved greatly. When I got to the hospital I had no idea where the lady was. I just gave her name at the reception - within a few seconds was told where she was. I wasn't asked anything. The receptionist was helpful but it's just too easy to walk in and see people.

Anything else?

On Monday 11th Oct 2010, I visited a work colleague, a mature lady recovering from an operation.

It was obvious she wasn't able to use her hands normally. Holding a pen and turning pages of a book, newpaper for example was difficult as she couldn't grip properly.

She's doing physio, is hoping eventually to return back to work and was advised to take advantage of some kind of social care. She thinks/says she has to pay for it. This is a lady who has worked for over 20 years in her present company paying taxes.

I decided to leave when a meal was brought to her and was surprised to see she was given ordinary cutlery.

She may be staying there for a little while yet so is there any:

1. special cutlery available in the hospital to use (for people with arthritis) to make her mealtimes easier (also any rubber thimbles available).

2 . recommended social care that is free that she could know about.

Thanking you in advance