"I had my KidneyTransplant 19 years ..."

What I liked I had my KidneyTransplant 19 years ago in the St Peters St Pauls group of hospitals, where a dedicated groupe of doctors, nurses and anciliary stafff, made it their business to make sure we felt as comfortable as possible it was like being part of a family. The person who led this happy band of people was the Sister , she would fuss over patients like a mother hen nothing was too much trouble, she with her staff would if possible sort out any problems we had even if they were not medical. If you felt unwell you could ring anytime. If out of normal working hours you could ring the acute renal unit, and if there was any doubt they would have you whisked in to sort you out. The health Authority in their wisdom have moved us several times, finaly ending up at the Royal Free, and with bitter opposition they moved us in with the Royal Free kidney patients. From that point on we have been largely marginalised with the Royal Free staff making sure they look after their own patients first. If it wasn't for two of the nurses that came with us, I feel we would be totaly ignored. I became very unwell before Christmas 1908 and was being continually sick. My wife was very worried and rang the ARU as we would, given our previous experiences. The person she spoke to was extremely rude, she gave the impression that as my transplant was done elsewhere they were not intrested. She was not preapred to give any advice only that I should attend a local A & E. On the whole I feel totaly let down by the Health Authority and the way they run the renal departments, it now seems you are just a nusance. Considering the sort of care we had with the Sister and her team, I am sure I speak for the other St Peters patients when I say I am very concerned that if I become unwell I cannot count on the Staff at the Royal Free to look after me. What could be improved? The patients need to be listened to and their views treated with respect. Anything else? Me with the rest of the St Peters renal team have managed to keep me healthy for 19 years. I worry this will not continue under the Royal Free.