"One nurse (just the one) was extremely ..."

What I liked

One nurse (just the one) was extremely polite, caring and helpful.

What could be improved

Waiting time in A & E and on the ward waiting for a Doctor.

Not being put in a cubicle that was also being used for storage so that nurses were constantly in and out looking for supplies.

Being treated with some dignity and being kept informed about my treatment.

A little sympathy and perhaps some understanding from staff.

A correct diagnosis was obtained by a consultant 8 weeks after going to A & E where it should have been dealt with immediately.

Anything else?

I suffer from bi polar and extreme hospital phobia, although this was explained to staff, no allowances were made for my anxiety and the distress caused by needing to go to the hospital. I was directed to a room next to the cubicles in A & E and it was only when a nurse came in for supplies after an hour that they realised anyone was in there. Several hours later I was moved up to the surgical ward where I waited another 3 hours until the registrar turned up. I was given no information and the only pain relief supplied was paracetamol.

The registrar was extremely dismissive of my condition, both physically and mentally, and her physical exam left me extremely distraught and in severe pain.

I am most distressed that my GP told me to attend A & E and that the diagnosis when given was incorrect.

I am now under the care of a consultant for this condition and require surgery to correct it.

I am dreading my return as I will need to be an in patient for several days.

Please make your staff aware that hospital phobia is a very real and most distressing experience. A little care and compassion goes a very long way.