"The impact that kindness and good care has on a patient"

I was an inpatient having several procedures done together in ward 8 PRI by Dr Zino and Dr Brown. Dr Brown was very kind and her bedside manner put me at ease with her optimism and smiling face. 

Unfortunately I don't do very well with the effects of the anesthetic and opiates. The anesthetists present were aware of this and changed to another form, however this sadly was far worse than the previous surgeries. I was unwell for 2 full days and was unable to stand due to severe dizziness, nausea , feelings of being hugely under the influence of drugs and of course pain. 

I would like to give thanks to the following staff as they helped me through some very horrible hours and days during and after the surgery.

Graeme was the first member of staff who gave very good care. he was efficient  and relentless in his pursuit of  great nursing. He expressed he felt I should not be going home the evening of surgery thus allowing me to calm and relax not worrying about going home, as this is what is advised to patients undergoing the procedure I received.

Next was bank nurse Helen, a very capable nurse expressing understanding and empathy. The HCA on shift called Eliza was kind and happy to help with all my needs.

On my last day on the ward I was beginning to get a little stronger but there to assist with great patience and understanding was the nurse Paige. She carried out my discharge in a timely manner, carefully explaining drugs/ do's and dont's etc. These members of staff are a credit to ward 8 and without them these situations patients feel regarding surgical intervention would be so much more unbearable. 

I would like to also mention Dr Murdoch, who was on shift the day of discharge. She was extremely helpful with all things relating to the discharge, taking the time to explain my improving blood results, sick line etc.  I recall a particular and unfortunate incident when she was present.  I stood up and realized I was desperate to go to the loo  I had an accident and urinated on the floor, she was so lovely taking the time to actually help me into the shower. She could have buzzed for HCA or nurse but took the time to deliver a lovely patient-centered approach. A truly genuine, caring person who went over and above her role.

I want the staff members and those they work with on this ward to be made aware of the impact that kindness and good care have on the patients they care for.

PRI however do need to be made aware of the poor situation regarding signage on the grounds of the hospital. I arrived at in the evening.  It was dark and raining, there was no sign directing patients arriving by car of foot that we could see to direct us to ward 8. I had to climb out the car as my husband waited, search inside a building and thankfully after knocking on some doors a member of porter staff I presume guided us to where ward 8 was located. I did notice at the building for ward 7/8 on the wall was a small faded sign saying 'Wards'.

I recommend an urgent upgrade to the signposting for all of PRI, it is simply unacceptable that finding the entry to all wards was in fact an ordeal that should have be avoided. This health board must invest on urgent clear directions to all areas including wards