"All the staff were fantastic. ..."

What I liked

All the staff were fantastic. So kind and compassionate, caring and attentive. They really made such a difference at a very traumatic and stressful time. It has really changed my general opinion of the NHS. The staff work so hard and are very cheerful. Everywhere seemed clean and tidy, and I wasn't worried about catching anything whilst there. The staff often used the sterile hand gel.

What could be improved

The staff were very jovial, and directly outside my ward seemed to be where many congregated and made lots of noise. I needed peace and quiet. Also, the food was diabolical. The only edible things were the apple, Mars Bar, yoghurt, orange juice, and chocolate sponge pudding. I didn't fancy an egg sandwich after my operation. Breakfast was a bit stingey with just a few unappealing cereals on offer. And the roast pork lunch was vile: the meat was bearable but the gravy, peas and potatoes inedible. The menu was so extensive, perhaps if the list were cut down by two thirds but made well, the food could improve in quality and taste.

Anything else?

I didn't like waiting around for 9 hours and 40 minutes from my arrival before been operated on. I was placed on an 'emergency list' which means you're an unplanned op and don't have a slot, so have to wait around in case there's space at the end of the day. I couldn't eat or drink, and ended up fainting.