"Looks like an air raid shelter"

Due to Sepsis I had to be admitted to hospital to have half of my right foot amputated. The hospital well it was so depressing, I can see they are renovating, and I think it will be nice when it’s finished but where I was well it looked like an air raid shelter.

The surgery was good but the aftercare and I am not blaming the nurses they are working 17 hour long shifts but quite honestly they couldn’t do their jobs properly and I have no idea how they remained so cheerful.

There was only 3 commodes for 27 beds.

I had 2 ripple beds both which leaked, and the pillows were like pancakes. The equipment needed just wasn’t there. I am not blaming the nurses they are doing a difficult job under extreme circumstances, and I have nothing but admiration for them however I had to have a catheter fitted as I was retaining fluid but this came out. I was told it would just be for 24 hours but ended up with it fitted for 6 days and I have had problems in that area since.

When I asked to go to the toilet I was told I had to be accompanied but a nurse wouldn’t be available for 30 minutes by which time I was too desperate and needed the commode. There is far too much to do for the amount of nursing staff.

Two physiotherapists came to see me and insisted that I walked some steps but my dressing was tight and it was very painful, I told them this but they insisted and I felt bullied. I asked if they had been through a trauma like myself to which they replied no, and I told them not to judge me until they had.

The day before I was due to go home there was a mix-up too. A nurse decided that I hadn’t been out of my bed that day and that I needed to show that I could walk before being allowed to go home. They insisted that I put my feet up. But I had been out if bed that day, twice I had a slow walk down the very very depressing corridor to where there was the only bit of natural light, but I did as the nurse asked. I felt so weak and  felt like they didn't believe me  and I was so upset that I burst out crying. Other staff came over and were very nice to me then.

Overall, the care since I came home (into respite) at Fernbank has been absolutely fantastic. The night before I was due home they sent someone to stay the night with me and I cannot fault them. Three times a week the nurse visits me and nothing is too much trouble for them. I highly recommend them.

All in all I feel the poor nurses have to much to do and deserve a pay rise.