"Getting it right most of the time"

Overall, my stay was a pleasant one. The care provided to me from admission to discharge was excellent, so far as I can judge. I underwent TURP (urology) and expected discomfort after the ‘op but did not need the painkillers offered at frequent intervals on the ward. There is a specific admissions unit so I did not go to a ward before surgery. I think they have the admissions procedure exactly right and this unit is well-staffed with considerate and helpful nurses. Preparation for surgery went very smoothly in the care of supportive staff. I woke from general anaesthetic feeling unexpectedly well. With two exceptions rostered together on a night shift, the ward staff were great. The two unsatisfactory nurses apparently lacked sufficient experience of caring for urology patients. If this is correct, they should not have been on the same night shift on my ward (Barnes) The care they provided to another urology patient was seriously inadequate. They relied on faulty equipment, notwithstanding that they were informed it was unreliable and they ignored their patient’s account of his problem. I believe steps are underway to ensure this will not happen again. The day-staff quickly relieved the patient of the severe pain he had suffered throughout the night. The problem was quickly diagnosed and treated by insertion of a catheter, not by pain-killer drugs. The matron was soon in discussion with the patient. The food was of good quality with a good variety of meals from which I could choose. Catering staff and cleaner were conscientious and interacted well with patients. If I have to endure another spell in hospital in the future, it will be with less apprehension than on this occasion and I would be likely to choose Chesterfield Royal.