"Clean, lovely nurses, where are the doctors?"

What I liked

The nurses and other people who worked on the ward were lovely- they checked all the time to see if you were OK. They offered me towels on my second day so I could have a shower.

They cleaned the ward all the time, and changed bedding most days.

Most of the time the curtains were closed for me when I was having treatment/ being talked to.

The nurses also were sympathetic to my queasy nature, covering up my cannula with a bandage, and helping me when I had to have blood taken.

The nurses also tried hard to chase up the doctors on my behalf.

What could be improved

Informing patients: I had several scans and saw numerous doctors, but I was not told about what might be wrong with me.

Availability of doctors: After an MRI scan, I waited 2 days for the doctor to come and discuss it with me. The nurses did a great job of chasing them up (at one point the doctor was on the ward but was then called away before seeing me). I appreciate that doctors are busy, but they need to appreciate that patients are very worried, especially when told things like "we are testing your blood for a tumour marker".

Medicines policy: One day I had a bad upset stomach, and asked the nurses for something like immodium/ diocalm. I was told that I could only be given this if a doctor had put it on my notes (even though if well enough I could have walked to a pharmacy and bought it myself). As I had already waited 24 hours for a doctor to see me then this seemed unlikely. With the worry of infection in hospitals I was surprised that they were not more concerned about this. And it does seem strange that a nurse could not give this to a patient as it can be bought in a supermarket.

Post- hospital information: I also found that once I discharged I had even less information. I was told I would need an operation, and given the name of the doctor. But when I phoned up I find out more, I was then told that my GP needs to make the referral, even though I came in via A&E and my GP had no knowledge of this condition. I feel that these procedures need to be explained to patients. Of course if you work in a hospital then you know this, but having never been to one before I had no idea.

Patient information: I would also have appreciated a leaflet explaining my condition and how it will be managed. I have been given no information at all, and until my next hospital appointment (6 weeks after discharge which is a very long time) I have no chance of finding anything else out.

Anything else?

The hospital was clean, and the staff you saw day to say were helpful and kind.

I am sure no-one enjoys a hospital stay, but the nurses work so hard to make it good for the patients.