"A complete and utter shambles. Care and empathy..."

Ward 1 - Stoke Mandeville Hospital

My wife was admitted to Stoke Mandeville hospital on Monday 5th Oct 2015 as she suddenly lost feeling in the left side of her body. She couldn't pass any liquids and was is extreme pain. She sat in agony in A&E for 7 hours before she was offered any water or pain relief. She asked several times for pain relief and was told "Then we'll have to put in a catheter". She asked them to hurry up as the pain was unbearable. She was led to a bed with blood over the sheets. When she pointed this out, the response she got was "Don't worry. It's dry..."

Eventually, after approx 10hrs, the duty doctor saw her, apologied for the appealing treatment, then asked her not to complain as it will go against the ward. Truly unbelievable. She spent 3 days, rarely being checked on. Wasn't offered breakfast or lunch on the third day. Was left in the toilet for 2 hours in agony. She collapsed and cound not reach the panic button.

She has a voice and can speak out for herself. There were many very elderly people on the ward who, i guess, dont have as loud a voice.

If you want even the most basic care in this shambles of a hospital, please do not complain about anything. You will be ignored.

This hospital is a complete and utter disgrace. Stay away. Go somewhere else.

Something is very wrong at this hospital. A complete lack of care. Lack of empathy. Lack of understanding. Lack of communication. Lack of training.

She was eventually taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. First class care was given. A completely different experience.