"I came to JCUH last week for a ..."

What I liked

I came to JCUH last week for a first consultation with one of your neurologists.

I live in the West Midlands, so it was quite a trek, but worth all 12 hours of the round trip!

I have seen local and regional consultants looking for the answer to a seriously debilitating illness, but no solutions yet. The last specialist I saw recommended the Dr I came up to see.

He was extremely helpful and attentive, came up with a plan for an admission for investigations and was really calm and reassuring all through what was a very exhausting day for me.

I came away feeling totally happy, cared for and postive about coming back to stay in January 2008.

There is no comparison between JCUH and my local hospital. My home hospital has parts that were a Victorian workhouse and after a surgery in June 2005 I caught MRSA which has led to multiple further surgeries and hearing loss. The thought of going back as a patient there scares me. The thought of being admitted to JCUH gives me no such concerns as the hospital was spotless! All areas seemed so calm, relaxed and very modern.

Thankyou and well done.

What could be improved

My only negative was related to the cashiers' office. The set up there with the glass window having just a small opening at the bottom to hear through, made it near impossible to hear the lady talking to me. This wasn't just because I am hard of hearing as my friend couldn't hear either, but the lady would not help in any way.

Also, the staff of the cashiers' office did not seem to understand the system for paying travel fares for those on low income with a HC2 - even after checking with the manager there I was refused my fare and told to fill in a form they gave me and send it off........ this will be a long process!

I have checked the Dept. of Health guidance and it clearly states the hospital you attend is to pay your travel and claim it back themselves.