"Mixed experience on the neurology ward"

I have been under the care of the neurology team for a few years now, Since my diagnosis of functional neurological disorder.

My most recent stay was probably my most difficult admission since being under their care.

I can appreciate that the pressure for beds at the moment is high and that  was very obvious during this admission.  First I want to highlight the amazing work the nurses on 204 do under extremely challenging circumstances. The nurses were extremely short staffed and at times it didn't feel safe on the ward I don't feel this was the nurses fault.

I want to highlight two nurses in particular who really took time from their busy day to come talk to me about how I was feeling regarding some issues I had with the doctors.  They listened and straight away made the doctors aware that I was not happy about some of my care during this admission. 

Without having that conversations and being able to share how it was affecting my mental health it would have taken even longer for me to be ready for discharge. 

During my admission I had gone into urinary retention which happens with my FND, Usually a catheter is inserted until my bladder starts working again.  However on this admission I was left for 18 hours unable to pass urine and in extreme pain. I was told by a nurse that I was not going to get a catheter and to just pee. This was a doctors decision not the nurse. My bladder had over 600mls in it at the time of the bladder scan, the only reason I was able to pass urine was by doing self catheterization myself using an intermittent catheter.   I should never have been left that long with no doctors examination or even being spoken to by the doctor.  The nurses hands were tied and I felt like the standard of care was not what it should be. I ended up with a urine infection and needed a 7 day course of antibiotics. 

At this point my mental health really declined and a few days later was when I spoke to both staff nurses.

I always say that the neurology ward is such a special ward, the way the nurses care for you is amazing and not to forget the OTs, physio and the neuropsychologist. 

I also wanted to highlight the care I received from one of the doctors who was such a caring person who gives you whatever time you need and their bedside manner is something to be very proud of.  

Although this admission was a difficult one I still feel its important for the nurses to get the recognition they deserve especially at the moment with poor staffing levels, they still come on shift with a smile on their face and still make the time for their patients.