"Excellent surgical team. Poor ward"

Attended ward 1 for a planned day case at 7 am

Sat in the day room as there are no beds- full room with uncomfortable chairs.

Had obs/surgeon review and parked back in day room.

After 3 hours with no communication I went to the desk to seek information- the admitting staff nurse along with other staff and a sister who looked at me and walked away- the sister then acknowledged me and I asked when I’d be given a bed or see anaesthetist- they said still no bed but soon and that they’ve had 30 patients to admit.

I enquired whether I’d actually be on the afternoon list- I was told I’d be last on the all day list ( this being late afternoon/early evening time- and I’d arrived at 0700.

Now I understand that surgeon/anaesthetist etc has to see patient prior to their list but an afternoon patient doesn’t really need to come in at 7 am, as in most places, they attend mid- late morning... by which point there may be a bed available for the patient.

This has happened previously and I actually ended up on a different unit which turned out to be more efficient.

Now this is not the fault of the nurses or the surgeons, more an issue that managers should consider.

My second complaint has to do with nursing staff- only one nurse introduced themself to me.

When I went to the desk to enquire - the staff looked at me and walked away- then the sister didn’t introduce themself either, and was quite rude with curt responses- and when I mentioned that just to pop in and keep updated or communication I was met with “it’s busy take it up with the doctors”

I understand delays and processes but communication is always important.

I cannot fault the surgeon or the team, the surgeon has to be one of the most patient and knowledgeable consultants I have had the pleasure of meeting and has been very open with different treatment options and plans.

However the ward has a few areas to improve as mentioned above/ and not least- please communicat with your patient- I know it’s busy and you’re overrun and tired, but an acknowledgement of the patient and a little communication go a long way, however instead of dignity and respect, I, along with the others here, am made to feel like cattle herded into a very uncomfortable sitting area whilst waiting for patients to be turfed out at the other end of the conveyor belt.

I do feel that this needs to be considered on a management level and perhaps even a PALS process