"Good overall service"

Anything else?

I was admitted to QEH through the A&E department last year after experiencing general abdominal pain and high fever and ended up having to undergo an emergency surgery. At A&E, there was a bit of waiting time (I had to wait for about an hour) but when the doctors got to me, I was taken care of - the doctor who attended to me was very efficient.

My condition worsen after a few days and i was fast-tracked for an ultra-sound and a CT scan. Within an hour or two after the tests, the results were out. Having referred to the consultant surgeon, it was felt that surgery was the best option and the doctor came to break the news to me. Obviously, I asked for more explanation and other options - I have to sign the consent letter myself and it was my responsibility to be able to make an informed decision. The surgeon was called and after speaking to him (even though he could not explain in detail (due to time constraint and the surgery was needed to aid diagnosis in the first place)) i felt more confident with going through the procedure.

Looking back, the decision by the consultant surgeon to take me to the operating theatre that day may well perhaps helped save my life, and for that, i will forever be grateful. I was in the ICU for 5 days and the care that I received was excellent.

Back in the normal ward, service was much slower but I can see that the nurses were stretched. Most of them were friendly and helpful and treated me with respect - for me, a simple smile makes a lot of difference. I have full respect for the nurses - they work long hours on their feet, unfortunately, a handful were just plain rude.

I am sorry but I must say, the hospital food is really bad.

I was discharged for home rest after 3 weeks in the hospital but had to undergo a corrective surgery 3 months later. The surgery was well planned and my consultant and the registrar and other doctors involved did an amazing job, as always.

In the ward, the service was poorer from that of my first stay. I know the hospital was undergoing restructuring but it should not be at the expense of the service. On my last night there, because they were short of bed, they moved me to a different ward (was it ward 15?) which doesn't make sense to me at all. It was done in the middle of the night (because there were some issues) and by the time i got to the new ward it was midnight! I just find that was very bad management!

I still go to QEH for follow ups at the outpatient department and I have no major issue to raise. i was invited to participate in a questionnaire after I was discharge which I have completed and sent back. For my second hospitalisation, I was asked to complete a patient diary - I hope that the diary reached the right person and was audited - I was very open and honest with my comments there and I hope it helped in improving the service in the future.

Despite a few unfavourable experience, overall, for me, I still find the service satisfactory.