"Further observations"

I had posted an experience yesterday but unfortunately I assumed the inital 'entry box' was for intial comment and I was unable to edit.

As mentioned yesterday the medical and nursing care I received was superb.

Being brought into York Teaching Hospital A&E by a Paramedic and a helpful British Transport Police vehicle on a Sunday afternoon, I was examined by a doctor within 30 minutes.  

After examination and the installation of a Rapid Rhino into one of my nostrils I was admitted to the Day Unit - Extended Stay Area of the Hospital so that the bleed could be set and re-examined after a day or so.

Being an in-patient 'virgin' I was not sure what to expect, but the nurses were very helpful.

During the next few days, the visits by the ENT consultant, registrar and doctors were friendly and informative - I was always respected as a fellow human.

After it became apparrent that an operation was required the procedure was carefully explained and the whole procedure was stress-free.  As I had a general anesthetic it was necessary for me to stay an additional 24hrs due to not having anyone locally who could provide monitoring and support.

During my stay the nursing was superb and (seriously) the food was very good.  I was also pleasantly surprised by the way nursing, cleaning and catering staff appeared to be working together and sharing the duties as required.

Observations?  Yes, but please accept the following comments in a positive way:

There are no guidance notes in the ward, therefore I had no idea about meal times, if mobile phones could be used and that WiFi was not available (but 4G signal was good).  A small A5 laminated card explaining such things and possible a note that phones should not be used in speaker mode would prove of use.

It is appreciated that the ward had patients arriving and being discharged almost on a 24hr basis - that's life! But differing nursing staff would give more or less consideration in turning off the lights and closing the ward door at the end of the evening.  A small example was that the television was left on all Sunday evening until after midnight, with nobody watching it.  When I enquired at the nursing desk if it was necessary for it to remain on I was advised that I could turn it off, but quite a few lights remained on all night.  On other nights, the doors were kept closed and the lighting very subdued unless activity was required.

External to the ward I noted the following:

There were unnecessary delays at Costa on every occasion I went to the main reception area.  One could comment that they have no competition and hence the poor service.  Albeit independent, I am sure York Teaching Hospital do not want their reputation tarnished?

The quality of food in the restaurant is good, but the main cash desk closes late afternoon and payment is made at the end of the serving counter. It is hard to explain but there is a coffee machine on the left hand side, the sugar behind the serving counter and the milk beyond the closed cash desk. Once known there is no problem, but a visit with an uninitiated mind will illuminate my observation.

Please also improve the advertising of the restaurant.  You have a great facility there which is under-utilised, in particular when my comments regarding Costa are considered.

In conclusion - you have a great hospital in York and I was so pleasantly surprised. THANK YOU.       

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