"I was a 'long term visitor' ..."

What I liked

I was a 'long term visitor' to Ward 8b from Dec 08 to Feb09 as my son, who has profound disabilities was admitted to the ward with severe pneumonia. From his admission late at night right through to his discharge almost 10 weeks later we were always treated with respect and dignity by the staff on 8b. The consultant and his team were always open and honest with us, the nursing team (from ward manager to student nurse) were kind, helpful, understanding, and supportive, the HCA's were always ready to help, the Domestics were friendly and considerate. We faced some very difficult times during our stay on 8b but we were always, both day and night, supported by the staff and treated as human beings,with feelings, not just a patient in a bed with an illness. THANK YOU WARD 8b ,

What could be improved

The only thing that needs improving immediately is the staffing level. this ward is a very busy ward with patients being admitted throughout the 24 hour period, usually very poorly and requiring a high level of nursing care from the very beginning of their stay. The nursing staff are working non-stop to ensure the patients receive the care they require, both day and night.