"Staff worked together very well, ..."

What I liked

Staff worked together very well, but they were obviously overstretched.

Deep, caring attitude from so many staff, and many many thanks for all you did - I am speaking as both patient and relative.

We owe you a lot, but you need the backing to raise standards further - staff can't do this alone.

What could be improved

Dried blood on floor outside lift stayed there for 4 days.

Wards were not cleaned thoroughly - particularly the patient tvs and phones and into corners and window sills.

Public toilets frequently found to be dirty.

Not enough consideration given to cross-infection and barrier issues - on more than one occasion, a member of staff put on gloves, then proceeded to scratch their noses whilst treating a patient. Also noted someone wearing gloves pushing down rubbish in a bin, then contaminating hands whilst taking off gloves then going straight to a patient.

Staff STILL not on the ball with washing hands between patients - many Doctors and Consultants seem to think they are exempt from the need to do this.

Floor coverings and some wards have cracked or damaged surfaces, making thorough cleaning difficult.

People still smoke outside the main door and anywhere on the site. Some quite defiant smokers out there who give you the evil eye if you even look at them...

All points to too few people having to cover too many bases. Current Government requirements and consequent cascade through to management, views patients' journey through the hospital system as 'sausage machine' in order to 'process' people. This is of course not an appropriate way to provide health care.

Generally you are doing well under the circumstances; many thanks.