"On april 14th 2008, I was diagnosed ..."

What I liked

On april 14th 2008, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. As I was almost knocking on heavens pearly gates at the time of my diagnosis, my GP referred me to Warringtons EMU department.

I eventually found the EMU department and within 15 minutes of my arrival there, I had been seen by a doctor, and a few nurses then was sat in a cubicle on the ward hooked up to all sorts of machines.

During my three day stay, I found the staff at the EMU department to generally be polite, respectful and helpful.

What could be improved

Anyone who's ever been to warrington hospital should mention the fiasco of trying to find a parking space. The emergency department were waiting for me and we spent the first half hour of my hospital stay driving round the car park looking for a space!

It can prove difficult trying to navigate the maze of corridors trying to find where you actually need to be, more signs or maps would make this easier.

I've found the after-care to be quite disgraceful. I've managed to stay alive these past six months by absorbing all the information I can about my condition, thanks largely to the internet and not my 'diabetic care team'.

Last, but not least.... as a smoker, the non-smoking policy could be improved so we have our own little social leper places to smoke in.