"Good care but lack of pain relief for pancreatitis"

I was admitted to the Medway maritime hospital when I suddenly got pancreatitis. I received initial treatment in the resus ward which was first class, the staff were exemplary.

On transferring to the Dickens ward later on, some night staff were not so good, and in fact the doctor was very unhelpful. I was in so much pain earlier in the day I was treated with a mixture of pain relief including morphine. However, the night shift doctor told me that he couldn't prescribe me that even though I had been on it all day, and yes, excruciating pain returned.

I called the nurse asking for pain relief and she returned with gaviscon and two paracetamol? 10 mins I buzzed again, and she said "What is your problem" I nearly went insane at that point! After an extremely painful night with no help whatsoever (this happened on my first night only, the rest of the nights were excellent), the morning nurse Sarah was like an angel to me, she read my notes and immediately sorted out the correct pain relief.

Other than that my stay was excellent, the auxiliary staff were exemplary. It's a shame the doctors can't be the same? There seemed to be some staff that struggled to understand me, and mistakes could be made.

The more senior staff need to communicate more, and maybe try to keep continuity with doctors/senior staff, that way patients wouldn't need to constantly be repeating their problem? And the food is bordering on inedible (I remember when the canteen was very nice)?

I was blown away with the staff, and couldn't praise them all enough, and to see for myself the dedication they have in dealing with a lot of pig headed, and extremely rude patients whilst carrying out an extremely difficult job makes me proud to contribute and have the NHS for us all to rely and depend on.

Unprecedented numbers of patients turning up at the hospital (due to building homes bringing more people into the area) has put this hospital in a very unfair situation for the staff but, they manage it very well under extreme pressure delivering the care needed for the patients brilliantly.

The diabetic team were also excellent in explaining to me everything I needed to know about my new condition, which has given me the confidence and support to live my life normally!

Keep up the excellent work you all do.