"My experiences, both prior to ..."

What I liked

My experiences, both prior to admittance onto Rosemary Ward for a hysterectomy, and after the operation were almost wholly positive. My consultant was flexible in seeing me when there was a problem with the scan I was scheduled to have; she was also warm and approachable. The nurses were organised, hard working, professional and kind. This warmth from the staff is something that shouldn't be underestimated. The ward was bright, airy and very clean and this appears to be a particular feature of The Women's; it is noticeably cleaner than other hospitals I have seen.

My only criticism is the taste and quality of the food that is served. I'm unsure which company you use but it is badly letting down the otherwise excellent standards at the hospital. Briefly, the meals were very bland, the selection was poor and they were badly cooked. It is regretable that the excellent clinica, medical and staff excellence is being undermined by the obviously important aspect of patient nutrition that is so important to patient welfare and recovery. I believe there are only a couple of hundred patients at the Women's, surely the trust should be investigating a better meal provider than the one you currently use. Or would it be possible to cook on the premises?

I am certainly not a fussy eater but other than a bowl of rice krispies and a couple of pieces of toast I was unable to eat anything. Fortunately, I had friends and family to bring in food but there must be patients who do not have this support. Finally, good nutrition is vital to healing and the sense of well-being that it creates cannot be underestimated.

What could be improved

See above.