"An experience i do not wish to repeat."

What I liked

When i woke up from surgery the staff looking after me were friendly and helpful

What could be improved

The care i received on the ward

Anything else?

I was admitted for an orthopaedic procedure on a Monday. On the morning i found the staff in the day care ward to be friendly and helpful.

I was taken to a small room where one of the nurses was going through consent forms with me. I was asked if i would consent to a blood transfusion if i needed one, which i did, and then i was asked to sign the forms. I then had a very very brief chat with my surgeon for 5 minutes, and was left feeling still clueless about the procedure.

I later found out after my operation that i had been given suppositories, which i was not asked about, a relative told me i was supposed to give my consent about this matter. So i was shocked and upset about this.

I was booked in for an overnight stay, and was transferred to a ward. I was not told whether i was supposed to get up and move about, or keep still after the operation.

About 5pm i was in some serious pain, which kept getting worse and worse through the night. I kept telling the nurses i was in pain and couldn't bear it. I was left in bed in tears for hours. The nurses kept telling me somebody will come and see you about it, but it took hours. I understand the hospital is a busy place, and i was not the only patient, but i did not expect to be left in such pain for so long.

I was in so much pain i could not get up to go to the toilet, i was given a bed pan. This i managed, but it was spilt on my bed several times by the nurse, or my gown was dropped in it.

An overnight stay turned in to 3 days. When family came to visit the nurses were rude to them.

I felt that most of the nurses and the surgeon i saw were rude and very clinical.

This experience has made me nervous about appointments i have to attend, and made me question whether i want further treatment, which could affect my quality of life if i do not.

I am disgusted. This was my first operation, and it has been such a bad experience.Blood transfusionPatient careSignsWardOrthopaedicsNursing staffSurgeonsAppointmentsSurgeryNervousOpening hoursRudeToilets