"I believe this hospital can get better still"

A&E – Brilliant from receptionists who were so kind to the nurses who were king caring and considerate and fantastic at their jobs.  To the doctor who asked why I didn’t come in sooner, tone is important – yours was unnecessary, unkind and unhelpful.  An earlier visit it certainly wasn’t for your warm welcome. 

 

AMU – efficient care with incredibly diligent and hardworking doctors and nurses.  Although just to add I’ve been managing my condition for over thirty years try listening. 

 

Capel Annex – truly the best and the worst encapsulated in a week’s stay. 

If East Surrey do have a quiet night policy, please inform your night staff – because they really don’t seem to have a single care for those trying to sleep.  Loud conversations at the top of their voices, patient’s TV’s allowed on at full volume, alarms ignored, elderly confused patients up and moving around and distressed patients i witnessed being mocked.  I was also given medication that didn’t appear on my medical charts that influenced my condition.  Medicines were are also not given at all or not given at the correct times.  Bright, full lights were kept on until 4am – how on earth do you think people can sleep with noise and light – really unpleasant when you are unwell. 

 

Day staff on the whole great but would just like to take this opportunity to make a few points.   

I'm not interested in internal politics – I don’t care who likes who.  The nurse with a voice like a foghorn really didn’t need to use the phone as when they started ranting, I dare say 99% of the hospital could hear what they were saying.  Ironically, they was complaining endlessly about not being listened to.  I do care when you discuss my medical details to make a point to other members of staff.  Mistakes that we made were not of my making I felt utterly humiliated and embarrassed.  Also, don’t mock people for their accents – I was sick but had no issues with my hearing.  Inverse snobbery is as bad as snobbery – being polite should not be belittled. 

 

I not sure whether it is deliberate but when people are well enough to go home please be kind.  The delays in discharge in my case were not my doing and yet I was made to feel an utter burden and nuisance.  Discharge took over five hours – far, far more than planned by consultant.  During this time, I was repeatedly snapped at and at one point belittled.  Repeatedly I heard conversations outside my room bemoaning the fact that I hadn’t left – I repeat this was not my fault believe me I really didn’t want to stay another second.  All I asked for in this period was a glass of water.  Fortunately, I had a home to come back to with a loving and capable family to care.  At no time was I asked if I had transport, home or support which was vital as I had not yet fully recovered.  

 

The ward was dirty the floors blackened my feet as did the filthy bathrooms.   

 

Food is terrible – no one can possibly heal with a lack of decent food. 

 

Maybe the most disturbing element of my stay occurred when a nurse made a mistake resulting in me not being able to breathe.  They were exceptional in caring when I couldn’t breathe, and I hold no ill will against them – mistakes happen.  However, what is unacceptable is a passive aggressive warning from another member of staff about the incident.  Were they warning me not to say anything or did they simply not have an explanation as to why I couldn’t breathe?  I don’t know which I is why haven’t said anything for a few months. 

 

Doctors and nurses who were good were very, very good.  Always introduced themselves and explained what they were doing so I don’t wish to, although fear that I am appear wholly negative.  It’s a great hospital that seems to be making strives to be better each time I visit.  Which is why I have taken a few months to write this review as I believe you can get better still.  Thank you for my treatment.