"I was on McGill Ward in October ..."

What I liked

I was on McGill Ward in October 2009. The doctor and consultant that I saw were wonderful but other members of the team were rude, dismissive and contradictory to what my doctor had told me. I didn't appreciate the party atmosphere at the nurses/doctors station early in the morning where they were discussing the treatment of a male patient who had just been administered medication that resulted in heart failure. The member of staff, in great detail, told colleagues of how funny it was holding the patient's legs up in the air and explaining to the patient's wife that everything was ok. I must admit that my general care was much better than my previous stay in 2007. In my 2009 stay they took into account things like my photosensitivity and found solutions to help me through my time there.

What could be improved

Teamwork could definitely be improved as it didn't seem like the overall team was working together. The staff seems very stressed and at times forgets that there is a person behind the illness. The food! While the newer facilities/areas at the hospital are very nice, the main block needs some upgrading and cleanliness work done to it.

Anything else?

Since my 2009 stay, my notes went missing and I have had two different doctor's appointments where both of the consultants asked me where my notes were. On the second appointment I asked the clerical staff about this and they provided me with a phone number to track down MY notes. This was in December. I rang medical records in Dec/Jan who promised to call me back and never did. Called again at the end of March before another doctor's appointment and finally my notes had been found. I am still amazed that patient's have to make sure their notes are ready for their appointments because if not it is a waste of everyone's time.