"Sick with gastroenteritis in a mixed ward"

I was admitted with gastroenteritis via A and E. I was violently sick and had diarrhoea. I had two lines in administering fluids. And was very sick and dehydrated.

I buzzed for help as I was vomiting and waited nearly an hour before a student nurse entered and turned my buzzer off and said she would come back to help me clean up. I waited another hour and 20 mins before anyone came near.

I buzzed again and the change over of staff were in. I shouted on someone to help as I felt I was choking. My two cot sides were up and drips in both hands so I couldn’t move to get myself cleaned. I broke my heart crying and eventually a nightshift nurse came in and helped me.

I was just recovering and getting over the diarrhoea and vomiting, then I was moved from my single room to a 4 bedded room with another female and 2 males. We all shared the one toilet that whole day and night. Despite having my curtains pulled I felt so uneasy and embarrassed especially with the symptoms I had.

Again the day shift never answered any buzzers, it was only nightshift team that would come and help me. I was so sick I couldn’t even shower myself and the fact I was in a room with 2 other men was shocking.