"Professional but compassionate care in a..."

What I liked

I attended A&E and ITU as I was very ill with pneumonia. I was very uncomfortable and weak, and had to have everything done for me which was humiliating and very difficult for me to submit to. But all the nurses and carers made me feel that this was ok, and reassured me about how I was feeling. When I was scared and confused they were so encouraging and one nurse even stroked my hair when I was afraid! I was sincerely overwhelmed by how lovely they all were. I have never had such professional, medically expert and yet completely compassionate care and I am truly grateful. All the nurses were phenomenal. The physios were also great. I have recovered now and, looking back over the experience, I realise that I would have died if it were not for the combined efforts of all the staff. The Critical Care Outreach staff in A&E was wonderful. I was spoken to like an intelligent adult who was involved in the care I was getting, everything was explained to me, I was asked permission before every procedure and everyone washed their hands and changed gloves and aprons so I was not worried about cross infection.

What could be improved

I was discharged home before I was really well enough to cope so it was a struggle for quite a while but understandable under the circumstances as there was obviously a shortage of beds.

Anything else?

Thank you so much.