"The smaller bays just four beds ..."

What I liked

The smaller bays just four beds in each. The good shower facilities. The new beds which were electrically operated to enable one to either lie flat or recline or sit up comfortably. The large windows and lovely gardens. I particularly like the security and felt able to sleep knowing that only people who had the code could enter. Staff were very quiet at night which was greatly appreciated by Patients. I thought the new revised visiting times were a great improvement as Patients could rest without the constant interruption of visitors coming and going!

What could be improved

The toilets cleaning could and should be cleaned more often. Motorway Service facilities are cleaned much more regularly. I had to clean the toilet on several different ocassions before using it, all this with a drip attached to my hand. I realised a person was obviously poorly, but feared I may catch an infection from the bodily fluids and so fall ill myself. It occured to me when I was an inpatient that there was only one TV per bay, and that had (as far as I knew) no earphones, so it was difficult to put on the TV without disturbing other Patients. I would be willing and so would others I asked, to contribute on a pay as you go scheme or similar, for the use of earphones for the TV. Or better still - as in Germany, have a rented TV by each bed (small profit maker). This could have a real impact on Patients recovery by watching their favourite TV programmes as they would at home, and not disturbing others. Parking charges are a worry and expensive, although I accept the Hospital itself does not make the charges.

Anything else?

Nurses and Doctors could agree & confer on Patients treatment. I found a lot of time appeared to be 'wasted' by Doctors not completing their notes. E.g. Medication was offered, accepted, and then not written in the notes. This delayed treatment. Also Nursing staff could inform Patients when they are going for treatment in advance, & approximately how long they will have to wait on the ward. I found that I was waiting sometimes all day for treatment, whilst not being able to eat because of tests. All in all though I had a pleasant experience as an inpatient - much better than a few years ago. I would be far more able to reassure would be patients of the Hospitals ability to care for and treat them.