"Differing Experiences"

I have had recent experience of more than one hospital within the Southern Trust and they could not be more different.

My time in Daisy Hill Hospital has been nothing but outstanding - I could not compliment it enough. I was quite ill and was admitted for an infection. The staff up on Female Surgical have been excellent - going out of their way for me as well as treating me as a person and not just a medical condition, something I find to be very important.  Right from the very top consultant who saved my life to all the nurses looking after me on the ward - my care has been excellent; 100% - I have no complaints about Daisy Hill Hospital. If I were to make any suggestions for minor improvement here at Daisy Hill I would say that there needs to be more aids in the bathroom for getting up - especially for those who are just after having surgery.  I would also like to see that the machines, e.g. drips, are quieter, as they seem to constantly beep for no apparent reason which can be somewhat irritating. My lengthy hospital stay here at Daisy Hill has been very positive, with a special mention to Dr Haseem and Dr  Nelson who have been absolutely outstanding, as well as all of the staff (doctor's, nurses etc.) that have been involved in my care.  

However, my experience in Craigavon Area Hospital has been the total opposite. I was far from happy with my stay on 4 South. When in hospital, your emotions are heightened and I was made to feel sick, vulnerable and very much not at ease. At some points during my stay I was even managed to feel intimidated. I felt as if I was being treated as an illness not as a person. Even when it came to getting a scan, it was delayed and I had to wait a lengthy period of time for feedback afterwards, with only a junior doctor available.  My main piece of advice would be to always treat and view a patient as somebody's loved one and not to disregard their feelings.