"Emergency admission"

I was admitted to the surgical ward via accident and emergency and was an inpatient for 4 days. The care from the nursing staff in both areas was outstanding. It was thoughtful and individualised to my needs. I was kept informed and involved in decision making where possible. I was listened to and well cared for in equal measure. The care given was of a high standard, up to date and evidence based.  The junior doctor who admitted me was efficient and brief. The rest of my contact with medical staff was a quick 3 minutes on the morning ward rounds which were the opposite of my description above. They were prime examples of poor communication where assumptions and sweeping generalisations were made. No one asked me what I knew about my condition or if I had any questions and I was spoken to like a small child. I am a mother of grown children with an entire career in healthcare since leaving school. I did not appreciate the patronising approach but thankfully I am informed enough that it had no lasting negative effect. 

Good practice in staff groups needs to cross the great divide into medical teams for the care in the Gilbert Bain to reach its full potential.