"Absolutely disgusting"

I have recently spent 7 nights in RUH.

Quite frankly I am appalled.

The attitude of the nurses were uncaring-leaving unsheathed needles on my table on more than one occasion- refusing to take stool samples away-offered no assistance when I showered - didn’t bother to check if I was OK.

I was in a side room off Robyn Smith ward.

The ensuite bathroom was quite frankly a disgrace. The flooring had come away from the wall - black mould was present in the shower and around the walls. Toilet was broken - couldn’t flush it properly and it was filthy.

I contracted C. difficile and the toilet should have been bleached and kept spotless - it was hardly touched. My bed sheets were not changed the whole 7 days! My room was not cleaned once - not even the floor- bins were left over flowing and staff did not wash their hands with soap and water they merely put on disposable gloves.

With C. difficile it is crucial to wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of the spores.

Managers need to actually visit the ward and see exactly what is going on.

Nurses should be held accountable for the treatment of patients and the cleaners should be shown how to clean properly - someone should be checking every day to ensure that excellent standards are maintained.

I am voicing what so many other patients are afraid to say.

If I were a CQC inspector I would lose Robyn Smith ward down until it had had a complete deep clean . This is not about being cash strapped / short staffed it is about those in jobs doing their jobs properly and efficiently.

Nothing changes. Wake up and take action!

That’s the harsh reality of what is happening in NHS hospitals.