"Witterings Ward"

I arrived in the Witterings ward late at night from A&E medical ward following a collapse at home. I had an operation hip replacement just over a week earlier and it was oozing from the wound. I felt rather disorientated to say the least.

I am a 60 year old woman and have been in hospitals before not just this one, I can honestly say that this ward did impress me. The nursing and HCA were thoughtful and caring at all times, their professionalism and training comforted me as I was deep down very nervous. The room cleanliness was superb, could not fault it and the member of the team that carried out the cleaning operation was also thoughtful.

The catering, well when I got home I had lost over a stone, I do not know how as all I seemed to be doing was eating the most superb food, I was never hungry far from it. I worry about food not being hot and will not usually eat it but I had no worries the food was piping hot and delivered on a tray immediately. Nothing was left as it was all very enjoyable.

The OT service was brilliant, a delivery of a commode to my home within a day. The OT knew what she was doing and advising and that also gave me encouragement.

The Physios on the ward were super, nothing was too much trouble and it didnt matter how many times we had to do something, I felt on the road to recovery by the time I left and came home.

The ward sisters - you run a tight ship with compassion, I do not know how but you do, everyone knows their responsibilities and from what I could gather all the staff are happy and feel safe and secure in the knowledge that you are there for them. Great stuff.

The night time staff are amazing I am sure they float around the ward, no disturbance, gentle wake ups for blood pressure etc. Caring lovely people, I dont know how they do it but by the time morning comes they look as good as when they started their shift. I wouldnt be able to work nights I am sure.

Downfall - cut the wisteria back away from the windows, it makes the room I am talking about room 4, dark and I am sure it gives an oil type odour so you do not want your windows open. Let the natural light in please.

Downfall - the television system, I know its nothing to do with the hospital but I am sure the contract must be - total waste of time and patient money. Got to be on a mission in the end to make the thing work! Too expensive to ring the company.

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the Witterings ward, if I am ever in an ortho ward again it would have to be this one far superior to the Chilgrove in my experience.

Thank you all the staff, thank you all the doctors, you eally are the NHS at its best.