"Superb care in emergency department and ward"

I attended the Emergency Department of The Royal London Hospital following symptoms of a severe infection. I was quickly triaged and taken back where the team tried extremely hard to cannulate me - an issue I face every time - including using ultrasound to no avail, so a decision was made to continue using my Hickman Line as it was the only available access point. This saved me from endless repeated, futile attempts at cannulation and meant I could be treated quickly. We always have to query a line infection hence why the line isn't always just used in the ED. Blood cultures were taken to rule out a line infection just in case. I was diagnosed with sepsis and was given three different antibiotics to try and quell the infection, which turned out to be a kidney infection due an infection I am colonised with in my Urostomy (Ileal Conduit). They kept a close eye and eventually I was taken to the ward, 10E, my "normal ward" at RLH where they know me very well. There my exemplary care continued, I was given all medication on time or soon after asking (for PRN medication), I was listened to, involved in decision-making, my views were valued and respected and my understanding of my own condition was utilised - rather than seeing my own knowledge of my condition and my wish to be involved as the professional being challenged, as I've experienced in other hospitals. Through all of this, every member of staff introduced themselves and their role, and everyone also took the time to understand me, asking me questions about my life outside of hospital. I was listened to and respected for understanding my own condition - I was asked in A& E if I'd had this before and I said yes and they said does it feel like anything you've had before and I said yes, I've had urosepsis previously and it feels exactly like that, which confirmed their diagnosis. Often when in hospital there are always things that could be improved or done differently, whether big or little things, but I can hand on heart say not one single aspect of my time in the ED or on the ward could've been improved in any way. It's the best care I have received. Being in the hospital with my specialist team and staff that know me also meant I was able to come home far sooner, on IV antibiotics which my mum and nurses can administer via my line at home - getting me home and back to living life as quickly as possible.