"2nd stay in 6 mnths - problems with discharge..."

I have just been discharged from Bickleigh ward for the second time in 6 months and the care I received was exemplary.

The staff work very long hours - too long in my opinion - in very difficult circumstances.

In March I was admitted suffering with a heart attack.

The care I received from my arrival at the emergency department to the staff on Torcross and then Bickleigh no doubt saved my life.

This time I was again admitted via the emergency department with recurrent chest pains after being on the waiting list for further intervention since March.

I spent nearly two days on Tavy ward waiting for a bed to become available on Bickleigh before being called down for my procedure and then transfer.

Now here goes the bit which is not so great - discharge and the wait for medication.

Despite being told that I would be going home the following day with a new medication, on the day I still waited until 4 pm for my medication.

In that time I sat next to what I know to be a much needed bed - just waiting.

Just before 4, I was asked to move to the waiting room, which I was more than happy to do.

Exactly the same thing happened in March, but that time I was waiting for meds, which finally arrived at 8.30.

From what I have seen there must be an easier and more efficient way for ordering meds for discharge.

The staff taking the orders for meals have an iPad, but medical staff are still using pen and parchment - why?

Please look again at the process for discharge.

In my view it is an inefficiency in what is otherwise an excellent service.

I can’t thank the doctors and nurses enough for the care they provided.