"Sorry Holywell Ward, not good this time round"

I have been a patient on Holywell Ward several times in recent years, and apart from this last time have had satisfactory experiences.

On this last occasion (August 2016) I was admitted at 7.30am and did not go down for my foot operation until around 5.30 in the afternoon.

I had to keep asking for updates about my place on the operation list, which regrettably was met with vague responses.

I asked about having some water before 11.30 and the nurse went away to get some as I thought.

However, nothing arrived so I decided to read to distract myself from feeling dehydrated.

I must have fallen asleep, then was woken at 11.30 to ask why I'd not drunk my water.

I didn't even know I'd been brought any!

The timing was too late for me to have much so I just had enough to take my pre-meds with.

The hours passed and still no information was forthcoming about my place on the list, by which time I was not only dehydrated but also very distressed.

I didn't appear to have an assigned nurse either, and felt extremely isolated as all the other patients were either tucking in to toast and tea, or actually leaving!

The experience was becoming tortuous, and actually contributed to my feeling quite unwell. I could go on as there's quite a bit more, but it all boils down to extreme lack of communication.

In all, a very disappointing time on what used to be an efficient ward with lovely staff.