"A&E and 2 Day Admission - Good Experience"

Following acute attack of stomach pain the 111 telephone service had a doctor ring me and I was advised to go to Stoke Mandeville A&E either under my own steam or by 999 call. The A&E dept was lightly attended. I was booked in in 5 mins, triaged in 20 mins and seen by a doctor 30 mins later. Everyone treated me with respect, sympathy and humour (special thanks to the nurse who lightened my mood and made the pain a little easier to bare while I waited for pain killers). During the diagnosis I was kept informed about what was being done and why and what the implications were. I was given effective pain relief an waited for blood test results in a single person room in A&E. Six hours after entering A&E I was transferred to ward at the hospital. On the ward I was well looked after by the nurses and treated with dignity and caring. During my stay I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ward was clean, the bathroom had wet room shower and razors, soap and shower gel were provided just like a hotel. Another surprise was the food. It was very good - by school dinner standards of 50 years ago. Even the quantity was enough and I have a pretty large appetite. Food parcels from home weren't necessary. Finally, my problem was identified, symptoms treated and discharged with medication and a follow-up plan put in place. The hospital I was treated at was not the hospital depicted in the media. I felt safe, cared for and valued. Thank you.