"The nurse who examined me on arrival ..."

What I liked

The nurse who examined me on arrival to accident and emergancy was very caring, understanding and reasuuring. She had a heavy workload, but was always polite, and took time to explain about my treatment and delays in recieving treatment.

What could be improved

Everything in Clinical decisions unit. The unit was awful. The design challenged dignity, respect and confidentiality. 2 rows of beds, one female row, one male row, the only thing seperating them was some dividers on wheels which had huges gaps between each one. I felt like a player in the show whilst laying on my bed, as it faced a group of chairs with other patients sat waiting, staring straight at me, watching my every little move. If there was just a curtain in front of me, my experience would have been a lot better.

No privacy or confidentiality, being interviewed by my bed, about my contact details, medical history, bowels, diet e.t.c and presenting problem, for everyone to hear and make their own assessment. I know this happens everywhere, but surely there must be a room that you can be interviewed in where possible.

I found the staff very deffensive when I pointed the above out. One nurse in particular, launched a verbal attack at me, so badly I ended up apologising to her!

The treatment for my problem was non existant, because they could not diagnose. When I became upset about this, again I was verbally shot down by both the nurse consultant and Dr.

The beds had one sheet on them, no top sheet or pillow. Now I know this isnt a long stay unit, however when you are laid on one of thse beds for 4 hrs in pain, (like I was) its nice to have a bit of comfort and warmth. It was a cold day, the fire doors were open , and the windows , and it just wasn't nice. We also had an unwelcome visitor when a pigeon flew in though the open window, causing everyone to start screaming. Not very good for my cardiac condition.

Patient food was left on a bedside table from 12pm until 3.30pm, not very hygeinic.

A nurse was heard loudy complaining that she wouldnt get her break until later, because a new patient had jst come onto the unit. Now if I was that patient hearing that, would have made me feel uncomfortable.

Communication between professionals non existant.

Anything else?

I know financially, hospitals cant proivde the high level of privacy and confidentaility I would like, but its not very nice having everyone hear your business. I was witness to Drs discussing clinical decisions they had made about patients, beofre they even told the patient theirselves. I should not be hearing this surely?

I had avoided having my condition checked over for a long time, and now I know why. The staff make out that you are a hypochrondiac , and because they dont witness your symptoms at the time, you are either lying or deluded. I got the response from the nurse when I complained about my lack of diagnosis that "we can't just keep you in hospital" trust me nurse I dont ever want t step foot on your unit again. Thank you