"Quick transfer from Kettering ..."

What I liked

Quick transfer from Kettering Hospital by ambulance (two helpful st johns chaps), for unplaned mouth surgery (abscess). Staff at both hospitals very couteous and helpful. All were caring and knowledgeable. I was kept fully informed of what was happening, I was warned of worse case scenarios, by surgeons and aneasthatists (sorry if that's spelt wrong) but unfortunately these did not happen. Can't comment on food as I couldn't eat much, but the breakfast readybrek and mashed potato & ice cream was fine!

What could be improved

Although the transfer to NGH was quick from Kettering, when we go there we had difficulty findng where to go. We were told to go to the MAX FAX dept, but this was closed. Finally, after a long walk back to the ambulance, and a couple of phone calls, we were eventually directed to Knightley Ward, who were expecting me. I am in my 40s and alert and ok to walk, but I expect a more elderly or confused patient may have been disorientated or scared by the endless treks down corridors. Perhaps clearer instructions to the ambulance staff may have helped.

Car parking at the hospital was not easy, when my husband came to collect me, He did endless circuits, and eventually I was chasing him to various entrances before we could meet up. It looked like a Keystone Kops Kaper, for those that are old enough to know what I mean.

Prescriptions for those going home seemed to be a problem. Although mine did not take too long, there seemed to be a problem in the discharge lounge with waiting for medication. I know everyone and every dept in a hospital is waiting for meds,and everyone wants them "now!" perhaps the system needs looking at and needs to be discussed with all concerned.

Anything else?

Please can my thanks be passed on to EVERYONE on Knightley Ward. I mean, cleaners, caterers, care assistants, nurses, porters, theatre staff, doctors, surgeons, and anyone I have forgotten. I cant remember any names but everyone who cared for me was fantastic. Every request was sorted, from pain relief to tissues, straws etc. I had a couple of seizures during my stay, but the staff were great and allowed me to still be a human being. I know that safety is an issue, but people with epilepsy need to get back to normality after a seizure as soon as possible. We know our personal limitations. I have been in some hospitals who have a blanket 48hrs confiment to bed after a seizure, which may be necessary to some, but I was alowed to get up and about as soon as I was fit and able. Although my admission was not for epilepsy, but for a nouth abscess, I happened to have seizures during my stay, but I was made to feel this was not a problem. A big big thank you to everyone on Knightley. They battled with snow problems, but seemed to work as a team, with even a bit of light banter going on, which is nice to see. They obviously were short of staff, and everyone seemed to be involved in three things at once, but in front of patients they were patient, cheerful and caring. Please pass on my sincere and grateful thanks to them all.