"The busy staff were excellent and very caring."

I had two emergency stays in Broomfield for persistent nosebleeds just before Christmas. For the first one, I was transferred in the evening by ambulance to Billericay ENT ward from Harlow Hospital (my local A & E department) as they did not have overnight emergency ENT facilities.

I was discharged the following evening, but 24 hours later, I had another major nosebleed and ended up at Broomfield A & E in the early hours of the morning. I was seen promptly and readmitted to Billericay ward; after three days I was discharged just before Christmas.

My experience throughout these rather traumatic five days was very positive. The busy staff in the A & E department and on the ward were excellent: very caring, and on the second occasion, understood my distress at having to return to the hospital. I was lucky enough on both occasions to have my own room which meant I had a reasonable night’s sleep. The food was surprisingly good; a wide choice and always served piping hot. No-one chooses to be ill, especially just before Christmas, but if it happens, then this is certainly the place to go!