"Compassionate and Professional Staff"

I was admitted to the A&E department by ambulance on 9/9/19 suffering from suspected Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO) caused by abdominal adhesions for which I have previous history.

The paramedics who took me to hospital were excellent being very caring and supportive as I was vomiting during much of the journey to A&E.

I was fortunate that a cubicle was available almost immediately on arrival and the team of doctors and nurses who attended to me could not have been more courteous, professional and caring.

I was soon given pain relief and anti-sickness injections which made things more bearable for me.

It was obvious the department was very busy and all staff seemed hard pressed to deal with their many responsibilities.

However, I always felt safe and secure and that I was being monitored on a regular basis.

I had a CT scan and X-Ray and again all the Radiological staff were kind and considerate.

I was in A&E for four or five hours until a bed was available on the surgical assessment ward.

I was taken to the ward by a porter and nurse who were really pleasant ensuring all my needs were met, not leaving me until I had been formally handed over to the ward staff.

It was confirmed by the doctors on the ward that I did indeed have a SBO and that my kidney functions were being impaired by the adhesions and that surgery may be needed.

I was shocked by this as my adhesions had not previously had an impact on my kidneys.

This must have showed on my face because the doctors were very kind, thoughtful, and caring as they explained the possible outcomes.

As with my previous SBO the plan was to give the obstruction chance to resolve without surgical intervention.

All the nursing staff who looked after me during this period were superb: professional, kind, considerate.

Fortunately, over the next 2 days my SBO cleared and I was allowed to go home.

Overall I would rate my experience in the Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle as excellent.

I would also like to give a word of praise to the cleaning staff who certainly kept on top of things in the areas I stayed in.

My husband has just reminded me to mention the first class member of staff who saved his bacon in the car park.

If it had not been for him, my husband feels he could have been trapped in the car park indefinitely as he'd messed up with his 7 day ticket and couldn't get the exit barrier up...……….men!