"Excellent care of our daughter during a..."

What I liked

Our adult daughter was admitted to St Georges, Tooting on Xmas Eve and quickly diagnosed with swine flu. She was in the ICU unit on the cardio-thoracic ward. She was under sedation on a ventilator and her condition was critical as complications set in. She stayed in ICU for almost 32 days. The care are from the medical and nursing staff, the ward staff, consultants, lab staff and specialists was outstanding. When she was bought out of the coma the speech therapists, physio, dietitians were superb.

The teams all worked together to ensure she got the best care and they debated various options as her condition worsened. They tried some innovative treatments after which she turned the corner and recovered. They kept us informed all the way through and whenever we asked to speak to a doctor we were always able to. Sure you had to wait for when they were free, but thats what you expect.

The medical staff did everything they could possibly do and the nursing staff cared so well for her personal needs.

What could be improved

There could be more organised access to the ward by relatives. And handwashing by relatives going into and out of the ward could be more carefully monitored. Many relatives did not bother.

Food on the ward (after ICU) was awful. The hospital would be better to give patients a list of the items at the on site M & S shop to choose from and not bother with a kitchen!

People's expectations to medical outcomes could be improved by more direct and honest information. Just because you are in hospital does not mean you will get better/survive etc.

Medicine can only do so much. There could also be more general information about keeping fit, eating well, not smoking etc.

Anything else?

I think the medical staff do a brilliant job at this hospital under what must be difficult circumstances with limited funding and having to deal with sometimes rude and demanding relatives. We found them friendly and approachable and they cared about the family as well as the patient.

Their follow up has also been good.

We got to know the whole hospital over the month and it appeared to be first class - parking and access was very good, as was the standard of cleanliness.