"ward 15 observation"

I visited at 17.30 on 21.01.14 to be with recent stroke victim at meal time; it was chaos. No one seemed to be in control, 7 or 8 people around the hot trolley - a nurse in dark blue eventually came and gave explanation that main meal to be given to all first, sweet later - or they might not eat main. Surely these facts should be known by all staff on the ward? my friend (vegetarian) had no whiteboard detailing her requirements as there had been in ward 17. She did get veg meal, but not without much ado. The pasta looked acceptable, but it was served with mashed potato. The potato was grey, and I tasted a small amount - it was disgusting, I could barely clear my mouth as it was so glue like. After main meal distributed, a man not previosly seen (all in black) started to remove both trolleys - I called to him that patients hadn't had desserts- he thanked me and apologised, very polite. A doctor then came with earplugs in a tiny sealed plastic bag and placed them on side table. I asked what for - and was he aware that my friend had no idea? They were given to help as there was a very noisy patient nearby. Great, but should not the nursing staff have been given these for them to help other patients at appropriate time? A nurse came and asked my friend questions, but wasn't oarticularly engaged. I said you know she's had a stroke? - yes, they all have, this is monitoring. Didn't appear very effective or comoasionate to me. my friend likes to listen to radio, but was in a bed with no facility. A nurse gave me a plug in unit, but it would not tune in! It's been some time since my previous visit to the BRI - it looks vastly improved, much cleaner, but without the correct care, it will be wasted.