"Great staff - But terrible organisation and..."

I sit writing this review while stuck in wards 8 in my 55th hour of waiting for a 20 minute procedure.

But first I must say the nursing staff and clinicians (bar 1) level of care has been exemplary and should be commended.

My gripe relates to the appalling organisation and time management to get things done. Like many, in todays society I am a busy individual and a stay in hospital is something I could do without, but accept if you are ill it is unavoidable. I came into the hospital on Monday unexpectedly with what I thought was a bit of an infection. Staff quickly explained it was more serious and I needed a PICC line putting in for long term antibiotics, but once this was in I could go home to be treated at home. In myself I don't feel ill but they said I would get some IV antibiotics while I stayed. I was under the impression an overnight stay and on my way the following day.

Oh how I was wrong. I now started the most grewling wait I have had to enjure for along time. I have spent all day Tuesday, Wednesday now Thursday and from what I have been told because someone doesn't have the guts to challenge this it now looks like it's going to be another 24hrs before I can be dealt with. I have watched while people have come in with serious pain, been operated on and released while I take up a hospital bed being prodded and poked because some unknown administrator cannot organise a simple scheduled timetable. And the only explanation I get from the 1 doctor to which I have taken exception to is that it is fitted round the acute patients requirements. So what they are saying is for 3 solid days they have been snowed out with emergencies!! I think not. Having watched for 3 days it is more like snail pace working practices.

Now for my 'exception'. Firstly as I say the nursing staff are fantastic. My Consultant and what I think are the 2 junior house doctor/ F2s have a fantastic bedside manner and seem to understand that people have busy lives. Unfortunately the Surgical Registrar probably needs to get their head out of their books, loose some of the unappreciated arrogance and condescending way they speak, and get out and party a little and understand that people have busy lives, that really cannot be held up just because they want to exercise their dominance so they can shine and progress in their own professional career.

Unfortunately this is yet another example of why I hate coming into Hospital, because nothing ever gets done quickly.