"Felt intimidated by staff."

I was transferred to this ward from Ambulatory care after a specialist determined I needed to be kept in and have multiple tests done. I have multiple chronic long term health conditions and I was admitted with a suspected bowel obstruction. I have nothing but nice things to say about the staff in Ambulatory care, they kept me comfortable and spoke to me with respect. That’s not too much to ask for is it? I finally got my hopes up! 

Unfortunately, I was then transferred to Kingswood Ward, and little did I know I was fighting a losing battle. 

The night staff were lovely and again I cannot fault them but as the morning shift changed over I noticed an abrupt change in the atmosphere. I could hear someone pleading for pain relief and being told at that they would get it when they got it’. Shortly after that I heard another person pleading for someone to take them to the toilet, they carried on for over ten minutes whilst they were being ignored. I found the way they spoke to their patients, including me, utterly traumatising and I did not feel safe there. 

I asked for some pain relief at 8am and was told quite abruptly that I was not a priority. I didn’t receive any pain meds until later in the afternoon despite this being in the treatment plan that was made prior to me being admitted. I also never got the CT scan I was told I needed.

I had a severe panic attack brought on by crippling pain, I rang the emergency buzzer but no one came so I ran out to the ward to get help, where I almost collapsed on the floor. They brought in a doctor who I felt mocked me as I was crying on the bed in agony begging them to help me. They told me again I was not a priority despite my worsening and unbearable pain, I felt I was spoken to like a child. 

That combined with the attitude of some of the staff was enough for me and I couldn’t stay in their ward. I felt the day staff I met were clearly banding together and I thought their behavour was bullying and quite frankly I am appalled. 

They also spoke to my mum and claimed I was an awkward patient who wasn’t helping myself (I heard a staff member say this.) when I had done nothing wrong except ask for help. Luckily my family and other medical professionals including my GP practice know the truth, that I am a very polite and respectful Person. I have never had any issues when I’ve been treated by other hospitals and doctors in fact, I have always said thank you and praised them! So whatever they try to tell about me won’t stop me from speaking the truth about what I witnessed and experienced. 

I can wholeheartedly say that my stay at Kingswood has negatively impacted my mental health which I already struggled with due to ongoing PTSD. I believe I will have nightmares about this place for some time.