"My inpatient story"

In June 2018 I was admitted to hospital in Truro with acute pancreatitis due to my alcoholism. I have not drank alcohol for nearly 6 months. As a medical professional for over 30 years I was treated with dignity and kindness by some and appallingly by the majority, This sadden me to think of the longevity of my service working within the NHS myself for so many years. I appreciate that the staff are extremely busy and stressed but my treatment went much deeper than this,

There appeared to be no understanding about addiction or that it is a disease NOT a lifestyle choice. I did not grow up thinking 'oh yes I would love to be an alcoholic' isolated, lying in my own excrement with extreme anxiety. I was not a 'difficult' patient I was fearful seriously ill and confused due to my illness. 

Despite this I remember staff being late with medication, ignoring me talking to others and not me ignoring my call bell and when I needed personal care treating me roughly and talking to me in a derogatory manner. I overheard staff dismissing me as only an alcoholic. Even when I was lucid these event occurred and they refused to let my bed rails down or to go for a walk without another staff member. At this point I was lucid and not a suicide risk or a risk to myself or others. I felt as though I was not listened to.

Since leaving hospital and in my sober recovery I have heard many others who have addictions tell me there very similar stories. The NHS as a matter of urgency need to address this with education for staff. I am not looking for anything but to help others not to experience what I did.