"Ward A1 was an A1 experience."

I stayed on Ward A1 for three days during surgery. It was a busy time and on the ward and gave me lots of opportunity to observe the happenings, comings, goings and the way that patients were treated. I have had a couple of difficult experiences in hospital which led to me being quite concerned and anxious. I had no reason to worry. Everything was explained to me, all staff were polite, friendly and personable. I was able to observe how other people were treated and was impressed with the positive and respectful relationships that staff had with other patients. I watched the gentle and kind treatment of one lady who called staff repeatedly through the night.. I heard staff comforting another patient who was in severe pain. I enjoyed the respectful treatment of myself and others. I slept very little during my stay, nurses kept visiting to see if they could bring me more tea. This sounds like a rosy picture but the reality is that my stay didn't have to be like that, as I know only too well. It comes down to the genuine respect that the hospital staff, on all levels, have for patients. We can't demand a positive, strong value base from all individuals, it has to be integral. I would like to commend the staff working during my stay and thank them on behalf myself and others, they certainly made my stay very comfortable. Apart, that is from one porter. He took me to theatre in a rush, didn't speak to me, or even acknowledge me, he complained about the distance, complained about the trolley - perhaps he was just having a bad day? We can't have it all.