"Caring, efficient but strained"

What I liked

I was admitted to the 23 hour ward last Thursday for a full hysterectomy. The sister of the ward was excellent. She kept me updated about what would happen and when and even accompanied me with the porter to the theatre. All the staff were extremely professional and knew what they were doing. They were kind to my family members and kept them informed of my treatment and what to expect at what was a very worrying time.

A particular nurse was assigned to my care after I came outof theatre and she was absolutely fantastic. Her attention to my pain levels and comfort was second to none.

I didn't have the easiest of times during my first night but the night staff nurse kept a good eye on me and increased monitoring. She got the nightsister to visit despite it being a busy evening in A&E. I felt my standard of care on this ward was excellent.

What could be improved

Too few staff - I observed that the nursing staff had to spend a great deal of energy finding beds for patients already due to be booked in with planned surgery. Several nurses over ran the hours they were paid for as there were just too many duties for them to do. This was even more apparent when I was transferred to Hatton ward for the weekend. Staff were caring and focused when they could be but there just wasn't enough of front line staff. Due to this my medication was missed on the Saturday morning and I was without painrelief for over 6 hours despite asking 3 times for it. Staff werevery apologetic but they couldn't respond anyquicker as they had their hands full. A lady in the bed opposite me was vomiting violently and I ended up pressing the button to summon a nurse - they didn't arrive for 5 minutes and I got out of my bed to get a sick pan for the lady who was very distressed. When the nurse did arrive she apologised profusely and thanked me for my assistance.

This situation needs to be addressed as it is putting staff and patients under strain.

Also requiring improvement - food. We filled outall the choices etc but when it wasdelivered it was either unavailable, different from the request or only partially available. All 3 of us in the section had only one part of breakfast one day and frankly it was revolting and cold. My dinner was inedible.

Anything else?

This is a good hospital with excellent staff - kind, dedicated and caring. Waiting is minimal. It is a shame that the staff are being let down by the management of the hospital.