"Our experience after getting into the A and E..."

What I liked

With the exception of one Health Support Worker in SAU who was snapping at an elderly patient who was confused, the staff were excellent in their manner and helpfulness. The nurses were very good in dealing with a patient who might have had dementia and were discreet and gentle with the patient when dealing with his needs.

What could be improved

There should be polite notices up about the use of mobile phones asking visitors and patients to be respectful to other patients. Surely MOBs should be on silent anyway, rather than having Gary Puckett's 'Young Girl' blasting out every 5 minutes which happened one day. However, it is appreciated that having a MOB is so good for the morale to receive texts from family and loved ones, and also cuts down on the calls to the wards' nurses' stations.

Also there should be some kind of system to alert the catering staff of the dietary needs of a patient especially when they have first come in eg if gallstones suspected, a low fat diet should be implemented immediately.

Anything else?

QA do an excellent job and the doctors, nursing and catering staff on A and E, SAU and G Wing were exceptional. I feel sorry for A and E and the waiting times being breached, as it is not their fault. Too many patients are being brought in with simple headaches and who should be using their GPs, if they had one. The tea trolley staff do a great job to boost patients' morale, so important.