"The staff were extremely kind and helpful"

I experienced extreme pain at home on Tuesday night around my abdomen and having had the same pain 4 years ago I knew it was a problem with my gallbladder and had to get to the hospital. I arrived in a&e after calling a taxi. When I arrived at 3am I was quickly triaged within 15 mins which was brilliant as the doctor was able to understand the extent of the pain I was in from my perspective and provide me with sufficient pain relief. In terms of controlling my pain, 

I was started on paracetamol however I soon learned that this medication wasn't adequate in controlling my discomfort. I was given  cocodamol medication which seemed to do the job. I was waiting in a&e for about 8 hrs before I got a bed on the ward. When I arrived on the ward all of the staff were extremely kind and helpful. I had to go for various scans including an ultrasound and MRI. These scans were organised very quickly for me which I really appreciate as it means I am one step closer to getting my operation and returning home. The staff were very clear about what my treatment plans were and I was regularly updated. I also received the results of my scan quickly. I cannot fault the staff working in the x-ray department at all. The wards are much cleaner than they were previously and I think covid and the infection control protocol that has come to surface as a result of the pandemic has to answer for that. I thought that housekeepers were never off the wards and the bathrooms were spotless. This high level of cleanliness makes the experience much more pleasant as living in a clean environment makes me feel more comfortable in my surroundings. I try to shower early when less people have used the shower room and again I repeat myself but I was extremely impressed with the level of cleanliness. 

I have been fasting in case I was to have surgery so couldn't really comment on the quality of the food. However, the nursing staff on the ward have been extremely attentive when I have needed a sip of water to rinse my mouth on these hot days. 

I am comfortable in my ward and the wifi connection has been strong enough to let me watch things online. I am situated near the window which means I am in the best position for catching a breeze in the hot weather. 

If I were to comment on one negative observation from the hospital I would say that  I think the staff needs time without their masks on. They are constantly running around in this hot weather with no air conditioning or fans and must feel extremely dehydrated and lethargic. Understandably masks need to be worn to protect themselves and others but I would hope there was some time out room where they can remove their masks and  cool down.