"My father was a patient on two ..."

What I liked

My father was a patient on two different wards in Walkergate. The first time was on Ward 1 where he spent almost 12 months being rehabilitated after major surgery.. On admission he weighed only five-and-a-half stone and was quite weak. On his discharge he was a different man and went on to enjoy over 15 months of good quality life at home.

He was re-admitted to Walkergate due to a burst abcess, this time to Ward 4 in a continuing care bed. He remained here up unitl his death some 12 months later.

When was first admitted it is safe to say that he was extemely ill and the nurses on the ward nursed him back from the brink. The care he received from the staff on both occasions was second to none. He was treated with the utmost respect at all times and his every need and more were catered for. Every effort was made at all times to maintain the patients' dignity. He as always clean shaven, nicely dressed with his own clothes and clearly had his personal hygiene needs addressed. The staff were also an excellent source of support for me in that they were always available to listen to any concerns I may have had etc.

Although the building is now quite old; I always found it to be spotlessly clean. In all an old fashioned hospital with old fashioned nursing standards - i.e. patients treated with tender loving care at all times, especially importnt in the twiligjt years to both patients and their familes.

Some time ago there were suggestions that the hospital was to close. This would be a great loss to the community and to the NHS. I for one, would be there to oppose closure of this excellent health care establishment,

What could be improved

There is nothing to improve.