"My elderly father was taken by ambulance..."

What I liked

My elderly father was taken by ambulance to A and E from his home. We live 300 miles away so anything of this sort is very worrying. I spoke to A and E and they suggested I travel up as he was really quite poorly. The nurse explained where to come and was very kind. We arrived and were directed to MAU 2 where dad had been taken and was been treated. We arrived at the ward to be greeted by friendly staff, who knew where dad was. We spent some time with him. He was very happy with his treatment. He had a named nurse and was being well looked after. The ward appeared well run, the sister clearly leading her team. The staff appeared friendly, kind and bothered about their patients.

We visited again the following morning and met up with two of the doctors looking after dad. One from Crisis Care and the other from Respiratory. Both were clearly motivated to find the cause of dads problems, were extremely efficient and spent time with us explaining what had happened and the plan of action. All of this is extremely important when I, as the only family dad has, lives 300 miles away. It was a very impressive service. Three teams had examined dad that morning. All knew what the other was doing and the nursing staff were fully informed This sort of 'joined up' team work is where the NHS very often falls down. It doesn't at this hospital.

I had occasion once we had returned home to speak to the ward, the discharge admin team and the nurse caring for dad, and all acted in a kindly, informative and caring manner. This again put my mind at rest, living so far away.

I write this account as someone who has worked within the NHS all my life. I have seen many changes some for the worse and some for the better.

We experienced a hosptial in the South of England at the beginning of the year, again when dad was taken ill whilst staying with us, and I can honestly say the two experiences do not compare in any way. This hospital is light years ahead. Very many thanks.

What could be improved

Nothing. Everything was fine.

Anything else?

No