"A & E and ward admittance"

After visiting my GP they phoned the surgeon on call to discuss my symptoms as they were in line with appendicitis. I arrived at A & E about half an hour later, explained why I was there and the receptionists were rude and abrupt when handling my case.

After I had been reviewed by the A & E nurse I was then sent up to Ward 4 another hour later. From then on I felt that communication was significantly lacking. I was not informed of any protocols and had to ask questions rather than being given information about my care pathway. 

I felt that someone could have informed me that nothing would be done until I had to have my bloods taken and the results returned before next steps could be determined. I also felt that someone should have informed me that I would be nil by mouth, and why until these results were returned.

The nurses and Drs were always pleasant enough but communication could have, and should have been much better. I appreciate every one is busy and doing their jobs, but these snippets of information would have taken 2 minutes. Working in the NHS, I have some knowledge however, I attended hospital alone. If I did not have some background  - the lack of information could have made me really anxious and worried. I had been admitted without any real or concrete information about what to expect.

Communication is key to making patients feel as relaxed as possible in what can be a daunting and horrible situation.