"I think it can be hard for younger ..."

What I liked

I think it can be hard for younger people on a hospital ward as the majority of patients are much older and the assumption is made that they are unable to communicate easily. But when I stayed on the Langley ward, the staff were all very pleasant and helpful and made me feel comfortable the whole time. There were older people on the ward, but if you make an effort they are all very easy to talk to and most seemed to enjoy the company and conversation. The staff all had good English and were understanding and helpful at all times. The staff were constantly washing their hands and making sure the items they were using were clean, including the beds.

What could be improved

I personally feel that more effort should be made to enable the patients to communicate with each other. I know that I started to feel a lot better when I had people to talk too. It is very difficult to chat with the staff as they are all extremely busy.

I found that the floor was not being cleaned very well having watched the cleaner attempt to do it a number of times. This does need to be looked at!

The department are also lacking in pillows, this is something the staff were talking about at one point. This clearly a very important part of a ward and should be looked in too.

Despite not being able to eat, I did experience what it was like to receive the food. It was never given out with much happiness and there was a very small variety when it came to breakfast. I can’t comment on taste, but I did make a point of asking some of the other patients who seemed to be making do. From what I gathered the food was nothing special, but was adequate.

It would be nice if family were able to offer a small amount of money for tea and coffee. My family was told they could not have any and would have to go to a machine or the canteen, which seems a little crazy when the staff are pushing a machine around that I’m sure the families would be happy to contribute towards.

Anything else?

I believe that a "thank you" goes a long way, and I hope that the staff felt valued when I made the effort to say it during my stay. Well done to all the staff and keep up the good work!