"Apparent lack of appropriate hygiene and knowledge of drugs already prescribed "

I had foot surgery in early February at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh. This meant I had to stay overnight in the Day Surgery Ward.

After my operation I had to ask for a “bottle” several times in the evening. At 10.00pm the nurse gave me a cup of tea and a sandwich. Overnight I had to ask for a “bottle” three of four times. Then at 7.00am a nurse gave me breakfast. After that I was given a bowl of water to wash my hands and face. It must have been the effect of the anaesthetic as I did not see anything wrong at the time. However, one should have an opportunity to wash one’s hand before eating: I was not given even an anti-bacterial hand wash that was available to visitors. All meal times should be preceded by cleaning of hands.

At 9.00am a nurse came to give me pain-killers. I asked what they were. She replied tramadol, Brufen (sic) and paracetamol. I knew that I could not take ibuprofen as it interacts with three of the drugs I am on, so I declined that drug. (The medicines I take include clopidogrel, perindopril and citalopram. ) Then the nurse dispensed my regular drugs. All patients’ own drugs should be assessed by a doctor or pharmacist, with knowledge of drug interactions, before painkillers are prescribed.