"The surgeon who operated on me ..."

What I liked

The surgeon who operated on me during the night to remove my appendix came to see me a few hours after recovery. He explained the procedure and was so kind and informative. Very professional. The doctors and surgeons were excellent.

What could be improved

Due to other wards being full I was placed on Wensleydale Ward for 3 nights due to my appendicitis. I found my whole stay on the ward distressing and felt incredibly vulnerable. There seemed to be very little highly qualified staff who were available to help. My buzzer was never answered when I needed help. I was never taken to the toilet and had to depend on my famly to take me in my wheelchair. I constantly had to ask for basic care such as painkillers, a glass of water and when I asked for a sanitary towel following my emergency admission i had to wait 5 hours and then asked another nurse. I never got one. My saline bag was not replaced for hours when it ran out even though I buzzed for help. A few hours after surgery my catheter had been taken out already so I was lifted onto a commode by a nurse who said she would come back. She never did and I was on the wrong side of the bed for the buzzer. I had to find a tissue in my handbag to wipe myself and drag myself back onto the bed. I have never felt so vulnerable or uncared for. I was in a lot of pain and was glad to be discharged on day 3.In comparison I have had 3 babies at Harrogate hospital, 2 by c section and the delivery wards and day surgery unit are fantastic.

Anything else?

I am due for more surgery at Harrogate hospital and I am extremely worried about another stay on a ward. So much so that I am considering private care.