"Excellent care "

Admitted July 12 2021 with what turned out to be unstable angina - though as I had a heart attack and was superbly treated in BTH in October 2019 I thought I was having another heart attack. Despite this I was treated superbly and the tests (echo-cardiogram and angiogram) were carried out. As my condition was stable I was understandably bumped down the list for the angiogram in favour of critical cases.

The care was professional from A&E through to my 7-night stay on Ward 37 and into the Cath Lab. It was clear the dignity of all patients was paramount.

Even those with less minor afflictions in A&E were dealt with professionally and my perception is the triage system worked. In A&E staff kept calm under enormous strain and, in one case, some unnecessarily aggressive provocation due to waiting. I think I was admitted on the basis of caution - the doctor in A&E said "we would like to admit you, how do you feel about that?" which was a little odd but I suppose gets my buy-in, as surely I wouldn't be admitted if unnecessary?

Since my last hospitalisation in Oct 2019 I perceived less use of supply staff (I was on Ward 37B), especially at night - though if they were supply staff they were well briefed and knew where everything was and got through their work efficiently and effectively.

There were daily inspections for bed sores (carried out with good humour but professionally). I cannot remember if I was checked for bed sores in my 7 night stay in October 2019., but obviously it is very important

On the ward the 'housekeeper' was thoroughly pleasant and this was even more beneficial given no visitors due to Covid-19.

The catering was, to be frank, very, very good. Hot meals were always hot; the choice was good; and, out of seven days worth of meals, I had only one gripe of a ratatouille that was a bit gelatinous. In a mass-catering environment that is simply excellent.

There was a cleaner on Ward 37 who was pleasant and I watched him clean thoroughly, especially under beds. He should be commended (I think he was from Fleetwood).

I interacted with numerous porters, HCAs, phlebotomists, pharmacists, echocardiogramists (?), radiologists, and nurses and doctors (from junior doctors through to consultants). Every single interaction was of a high standard. I could not have wished for better care. Thank you