"Heart & Lung modern and impressive ..."

What I liked

Heart & Lung modern and impressive (but appears to focus on cardiology only, not lung problems?) Unfortunately because it is so new it makes the rest of the hospital look run down, shabby and dirty in areas.

Majority of nursing staff were caring and helpful, but a few appeared to be there for the salary only - whether these were agency staff or not we were unable to tell, but if they were it seems ironic that they would earn more than directly employed staff!

I have received treatment myself at the hospital in the past and have nearly always been impressed (& it compared favourably with private treatment) but I feel that the treatment/courtesey can vary greatly dependent on AGE.

What could be improved

My family and I had to repeatedly chase scans/xrays, medication, food/supplements and even basics such as urinal bottles. It appeared that unless we "pushed" for these in some instances they would not have happened, as there were delay of days, not hours!

Whilst I appreciate that at times nursing staff can be very busy, on many occasions when it was necessary to ask for something they appeared to to be having a group social achat and you were left feeling that you were interrupting them - on one occasion the porter/security guard answered in lieu of the nurse!

Anything else?

My concern is also for those patients (especially the elderly) who do not have a relative/friend to stand up for them - I dread to think what treatment they receive.

Car parking charges - only after several visits did we notice the small, single line statement in the pay booths of "For concessionary rates call Ext 8222" - this needs to be more prominent, with more information (a phone no. would be useful!) to assist long term patients/visitors especially those who find the charges an additional burden at an already difficult time.