"My stay on Helena Ward"

Anything else?

I recently spent 3 nights on Helena ward after being admitted through A&E for persistent visual disturbance and migraine symptoms. I was so grateful that they took my situation seriously and offered me a brain scan. I am sure that many other hospitals would have sent me home saying its 'just a migraine' The scan actually showed me to be at greater risk of stroke. I can now take a few precautions to reduce my risk. I think that the professionalism of the consultant concerned may well have saved me from having a stroke in the future or perhaps even have saved my life. Neurology is not the easiest thing to understand but the doctor explained everything very well, and then patiently repeated everything again and answered all my questions. The standard of nursing care on the ward was exceptional, they seemed to know what I needed without having to be asked. For example, I arrived very late on the ward and hadn't eaten since lunchtime. I had resolved to being hungry, but the nurse on duty asked if I has eaten and then brought me some tea and toast when I said I hadn't. Every nurse I came in to contact with on the ward was kind, caring, knowledgeable and dedicated. The healthcare assistants really couldn't do enough for me, even though they were always very busy. The domestics kept the ward very clean and always had a smile or quick chat to cheer me up. The food was a lot better than I had expected. I particularly enjoyed the homemade soups and puddings. The meals were always well presented and the correct temperature. If I had to say what I think needs improvement it would be about how confusing it is that that Helena ward is actually two wards in the same place. It was obviously an irritation and drain on the staffs time to continually have to redirect enquiries, visitors and other hospital staff to the 'correct ward side' for the patient in question. Indeed, it was a very surreal experience to arrive on the ward and to overhear that I was 'on the other side, at the far end of the corridor!' I thought it was funny, but then I have a very dark sense of humour! I think they should rename the ward(s) 'Helena Ward 1' and 'Helena Ward 2'. That would make the situation much clearer for everyone. Overall, I was extremely impressed with the standard of care and treatment I received and would have no hesitation in recommending this department or hospital to others, or using it again.