"I am comfortable in my surroundings"

I never had much experience in hospital in the past but since may of this year I have been a frequent user of Craigavon hospital services.

The nursing care in 4 south is 1st class and although I know the nurses are very busy they always make time for me. I think its creditable to the staff that I am treated as an individual and I have built up such a friendly rapport with some of the nurses especially that I now feel able to confide in them not only about my care and treatment but also about personal situations. I would also like to credit the student nurses who take on such a happy approach in their training, they are so good sometimes I think its hard to distinguish between the student nurses and the qualified ones!

Communication is good overall but I do feel the doctors can be very rushed sometimes, especially in the morning ward rounds and I would appreciate it if they stayed around for even a little longer just so I could get a better chat with them. Furthermore, I find it very confusing the amount of Junior doctors I come into contact with and feel maybe more communication may be needed between the medical staff regarding my care and treatment as some doctors aren't exactly up to date with my care needs meaning when they come to me they might be confused or don't know the full details of my condition; yet they aren't afraid to admit when they need to look something up or get a second opinion which reassures me as I know the care I am getting is the best I can receive.

I feel listened to and involved in decisions surrounding my care and although my input may not always be correct I feel my opinion is valued by staff and as a patient that is very reassuring. I am not afraid to ask staff a question and anything I do need is sorted for me, the majority of the time,

I have asked for more guidance as to what I am able to eat given my condition but I am getting very broad answers, I have requested to avail of a dietitian service but I am yet to be granted such a request. Physio after my surgery have been great. My surgeon was a bit hard to communicate with at the start but once I got to know him a bit more I feel more at ease when chatting and have developed the utmost respect for him as an individual.

The anesthetists I have encountered have also been amazing. In terms of the wards I feel the bays work really well and I like interacting with people, I think I am very lucky as the other patients on the ward are so pleasant. The food has been good and is good quality although I would say more variety is needed. I think there is more than enough access to water.

I think 4 north ward is a safe place and I am comfortable in my surroundings. I also feel at minimal risk to catching any other illnesses or    diseases as the ward is very clean and I am reassured by the staff PPE. Although at one point I felt the bay beside me wasn't cleaned very well but I suppose that was only one occasion. In terms of the hospital environment I think the temperature is just right and staff are good at giving extra blankets if I do get too cold.

One improvement I would suggest is having more guidance in terms of my discharge as I'm never quite sure as to what is actually happening time wise on a discharge day. Maybe if a schedule can be given out or just more information provided regarding times that would be very useful.