"Mixed experience of care"

I came to Wishaw General by ambulance but rather than be admitted to A&E I was taken to the Surgical Ambulatory Care Unit. This was superb and a welcome change to having to wait over 4 hours even to see someone. I was seen immediately, pain relief was given, bloods were taken, obs were taken and then scans were organised and decisions were made within the hour as to what should happen next. All the time the nursing staff were keeping a close eye on you and making sure you had enough pain relief or anything else that you required. At the end of the day a decision was made to either send you home and possibly come back in for scan/tests the following day or to admit to a ward. This was a wonderful experience compared to other sudden admissions I have experienced. 

The ward experience was so different as once I arrived, no-one spoke with me, no-one acknowledged me, nobody introduced themselves, not even the member of staff who was caring for me. I was just dropped at an empty bed by the porter where I sat and waited until someone eventually came and took my obs around 20 minutes later. I understand that the staff on the wards are so busy but when someone arrives in hospital it may be one of the worst days for them and they may be in pain with a diagnosis pending so very worried. I have spent many of my years in and out of hospital and I know that the very first contact on a ward is so important. It can relax you and put your mind at ease and only has to be a quick smile and introduction.

P.S. I also have to mention the porters - very good!