"Mixed feelings about care for renal biopsy at Nottingham City Hospital"

I was admitted to Bramley ward at the City Hospital last month, and though overall the care I received was of an adequate standard, I felt that a few issues need to be addressed.

As this was a minor procedure, I thought I would be admitted to the ward and the biopsy would be done pretty much straight away. Instead I was shown to my bed and that was it. I had been told to arrive on the ward about 7.30am and was left sitting until well into the afternoon before being told that the procedure would be done later in the afternoon.

I was in a four bed bay with 2 other women, but concerned that the patient in the side room opposite, and looking directly into this bay, was in fact a man. I do not think that it is decent or dignified to have ladies in night clothes, or, as in my case, a theatre gown, being stared at by a male patient.

Due to the nature of the procedure I had to spend several hours lying on my back. During the night, it was necessary for me to request a bed-pan. I had a long wait (only 2 nurses on duty and rushing about) but was not offered any means by which to wash my hands.

This was repeated the following morning when I was not allowed to get up and have a wash, but not given anything to clean myself with before being served breakfast.

The entire staff of Bramley ward were very kind and very busy. I was surprised how much hospital care has changed over the years: when I trained as an occupational therapist over 30 years ago everyone paid great attention to the little details that mean so much to the patient.

If I had known what to expect I would have been better prepared, and have taken a pack of wet wipes with me!