"Worse ward ever"

My husband attends the Phoenix unit and he has been admitted many many times to different wards, from urology, orthopaedic to medical wards and there have been times when there have been minor issues but on the whole he has been treated well with dignity and respect. However you get an opposite experience if ever you find yourself on E52. I will not go in to detail but the final straw came when I was contacted to say he was ready to come home mid morning. In fairness I was told he was still awaiting his "meds" and was asked if they could call back when they were available. By two o'clock I heard nothing so as it was visiting time by then I went up to the ward and found him sitting in the chair beside the stripped bed. He had been like that for several hours despite our district nurse ensuring he does not sit too long in one place as his skin breKs down. Another hour passed and I went to speak to the Pharmacist who was about. They told me that they were awaiting the technician so I went back and sat down. I managed to get hold of a pillow for my husband to sit on as he was very uncomfortable. At last the technician arrived and unlocked their drugs cabinet but told me that he had a long wait as they had others to see and said they had just been passed their paperwork. I am sorry to say I became very annoyed at that stage and went to ask the staff why we were told we were awaiting the technician so we could get home and then they were telling us he was bottom of the list It did not seem possible that lots of others must have been waiting longer than us about five or more hours. I am not worried for myself as I wait hours with my husband including when he has his double units of blood transfusions but only for his sake as when someone is in palliative care they want to get home where they are more comfortable. This "waiting for your meds" thing in my opinion needs to be overhauled as already five times this year we have waited and waited when ready to go home. I do not blame the staff but on this occasion their attitude was appalling and you have to wonder if their own loved ones would be treated with such contempt. After all could some one not have taken time out occasionally to ask if the patient is well and comfortable when they wait patiently to go home or are their responsibilities over once the patient is going home.