"My daughter was in the Surgical ..."

What I liked

My daughter was in the Surgical Childrens Ward for 2 weeks due to a Septic Infection from Peritinitus. ( Burst Appendix.) Having come from another Hospital where we were rushed in and out, and from a ward which was run with under trained staff who repeatedly missed medications (not the nurses fault but the trusts fault!) we found our care to be exceptionally high here in all areas. The staff were very attentive, making time for a chat with a sometimes tearful and stressed mum, as well as being firm but gentle when administering medication to a sometimes difficult teenager! In two weeks, we didnt completely miss any dose, and was late only once. Even the busy surgens kept us up to date with what was happening, popping in to see us most days. When the first medication was found not to be working, we had a lady Surgeon on call on a Saturday spend much of her morning trying to find a suitable alternative with the behind the scenes lab staff.

What could be improved

Waiting times for In patient Ultrasound Scans could be improved. We usually waited a matter of days once a request had been made.

Patients Food! It sounds great on the menu, but didnt often taste like the description! Having a child with a Sickness etc. problem, it was hard to tempt my daughters taste buds with the Hopsital Food. Also Parents arent allowed to eat with the kids, even with the offer of paying for an extra meal. Consequently, being out of the area meant my stay cost me in the region of £400 for meals for me, tempting treats for my daughter, the odd coffee and a few essential wash items.

Anything else?

Our care was so good, my daughter is insisting that we return here for a Gynachology Problem that may or may not be related to her peritinitus and despite the fact that this is not our nearest hospital. She trusts the Hospital Staff and their judgement, and I think that says it all from a girl who could have died from the infection that she had!

I would not hesitate to reasure anyone requiring treatment at this hospital that they are in very good hands!

A Special mention for the temporary ward manager Steve, who's now in A&E! Great Nurse!