"incredible intensive care unit - very poor..."

My wife visited this Hospital for an elective procedure to remove bladder stones,due to a problematic supra pubic catheter.from referral it took too many months for the procedure,by which time the stones had grown significantly and therefore open surgery was required.the first surgical date was also cancelled at very short notice,for three different reasons(the hospital presented a new reason when the previous reason was questioned,so we didn't believe any of them eventually) the procedure was carried out but by now my wife had bacteria within the now very large bladder stones.this migrated into the blood stream during surgery causing a severe sepsis,resulting in multi organ failure. my wife was was efficiently monitored by the ICU outreach team and was transferred to Intensive Care the day after surgery. she became critically ill and was intubated two days later.she remained fighting for her life with little hope of survival for a few days,but eventually she pulled through after many medical interventions. five weeks in ICU the Intensive Care unit is simply incredible,as are all of the staff. i never once felt there was a stone left unturned in treating my wife and the skill,knowledge and compassion shown by all staff...in particular the absolutely amazing nurses was almost beyond belief.many of the nurses were young....but trained to a phenomenally high level.

my wife had one on one nursing care,there were consultants in attendance 24/7 and the whole team are quite simply the most cohesive organised bunch of professionals ive ever witnessed.thank you will never be enough,but its sincere.

however,the last two weeks back on ward 49(foregate) have been a totally different experience.albeit my wifes care was complex due to Multiple Sclerosis,requiring careful Postural Management,but it was like witnessing the other end of the scale regarding NHS care.

I wont go into details,but it was simply awful.they didn't brush of wash her hair the whole time she was in the ward.ive just spent an hour at home trying to untangle it.they didn't listen when I showed them how to manage her posture,despite repeating it to them on a daily basis.most of the nursing staff were lazy and disinterested individuals,who seemed to think they were somehow above delivering basic care.a complete contrast to the similar aged ICU nurses,from whom they could all learn some valuable lessons.today she was being fed almost led down,which is highly dangerous.

the food was simply dreadful.dressings were not changed on time,therefore putting my wife at risk of further infection.i tried to hide my frustration and did indeed have a few chats with senior sisters...who assured me and I believe sincerely things would improve.but when the Sister wasn't there...Saturday for instance,the nurses seemed to enjoy sitting in the office chatting more than Nursing,or sneaking chocolates that had been left by previous patients.a complete shambles.undignified for the patient.2/10 at best.