"Recent stay in Ninewells Hospital"

I am an old retired nurse who, like many of my contemporaries, has been critical of the nursing attitudes and care in the last thirty or so years. I have to say that that opinion has been reversed following my most recent admission. The management of patient care was excellent. Recordings and medicine rounds were carried out carefully and at the correct times. Teamwork was very evident with day and night staffs voluntarily overlapping if the occasion arose. I also think that the presence of the student nurses from Abertay University added another dimension to the scene as did those who had already trained in the system. Quality was very evident and everyone with whom I came in contact was pleasant and helpful.

Yes, the fabric of the building is not in good condition and the windows require both cleaning and replacement and although when built ( I remember as I was in one of the first groups of nursing staff working there) was state of the art, it is a long way from that now. Importantly it does not detract from the level of care given. The ward in which I was was beautifully clean despite the wear and tear and the cleaner(s) deserve to be congratulated.

The food I found very good - beautiful hot soup and freshly made sandwiches were the staples of my diet when there. I came to be treated and was not on a culinary trip! The ward made tea was always freshly made and hot.

In the seven years since last an inpatient in Ninewells, I found it very greatly improved.

I was only in AMU for a very short time and therefore cannot comment on the standards prevailing in such a busy ward where patients were continually on the move. My comments refer to the gastroenterology and endoscopy units where I was well cared for over a period of several days.

Keep up the good work, Ninewells!