"The food was a bonus"

Anything else?

My visit happily did not end in surgery but during the 4 mornings I was there I saw one or sometimes two different consultants each time, which was confusing. Indeed continuity of care seems to be the main problem (and I am sure not just on this ward). Unusually, in my experience especially in a teaching hospital, I was not vistied by house officers or any students. Generally ward staff were friendly and responded to or even initiated conversation, but there were exceptions. Response times to the bell were generally OK (unless you have an emergency) but in this very long thin ward with separate rooms, I am concerned that a patient could be taken ill, have a fall etc and not be noticed for a considerable period. Regular inspections both by staff as they pass and by a designated person would be reassuring. Having a separate room was nice and the food surprising tasty and fresh. The only real blot was discharge, which had been signalled at least 24 hours earlier and was confirmed on the morning, but the message did not seem to get through (along with others) to the central desk. By 1030, I finally convinced a nurse I was cleared to leave once I had some pills. I was finally escorted to the waiting area at 1400 and my pills arrived at 1445. I had hoped to be home for elevenses!