"Highly variable standards across wards"

An emergency admission to ward 15 with a ruptured appendix was always going to be tricky at this time of year and especially with the much publicised bed crisis.

Staff on 15 were kind and efficient and very apologetic about the delays as they watched my son’s condition worsen.

After 7 or more hours of excruciating pain, a bed became available and the surgery could take place.

We were kept well-informed by the surgeon and the operation was successful.

What a difference when we reached ward 35!

Staff were at best rude and unhelpful but at times blatantantly hostile towards a young boy still in great pain, leaking from his wound and in need of pain relief.

We understood the pressures and politely accepted the delays, but at one point pain relief medication was almost four hours overdue, with a doctor having advised to request morphine sooner rather than later if the pain worsened.

It seemed no one was available to administer this pain relief though and again profusely leaking wounds were not sorted.

Twenty four hours later and we were told we needed to move wards.

We understood.

Unfortunately at this point nausea had kicked in and the journey was distressing to say the least.

The medical notes were apparently lost along the way. However, on arrival at ward 25 the difference in quality of care was immediately noticeable.

Staff were friendly, welcoming, kind and reassuring.

In fact a member of staff with coat on and clearly having finished her shift went out of her way to check in and deliver extra pillows, check the wound and general comfort

Thank you so much staff of wards 15 and 25 - you are a credit to your profession and perhaps staff on ward 35 could learn from your high standards.