"The Doctors were very informative ..."

What I liked

The Doctors were very informative and treatment was given promptly. They accepted my decision to leave and be treated further by district nurses.

One nurse which I met through the night shift was very empathetic and made 'time' to speak to the patients.

What could be improved

The ward staff lacked compassion and basic nursing skills. Patients were left in the bay only to be seen by nurses at drug rounds. i asked for medication and was given every excuse as to why a 'nurse' could not come at the moment. I eventually received it hours later when I threatened discharge. I was on a fluid balance chart which was not filled in for over 10 hours because handover failed to mention it to new staff, it was only noticed after a 'bedpan' (which I had used and informed staff) was found 3 hours later in the toilet as it had been left. maybe more staff training on importance of fluid balance in a surgical patient is needed?

Patient dignity and self respect were disregarded by all staff, call bells left out of reach, no assistance offered.

On one occasion a nurse argued with me regarding how much fluid I had drunk, other occupants of the bay were disgusted be her behaviour. More so when she then stood at the nurses station stating 'she doesnt even know what she is talking about, stupid woman' etc.

Anything else?

During my stay I suffered with savere nausea and vomiting, more so on movement. I informed staff of this yet I could not get medication prior to staff expecting me to leave the bed. On the final occasion, I was left behind closed curtains, buzzer nowhere to be seen vomiting into a tiny kidney dish. I was unable to move or find a new sick bowl. It wasnt until my husban came onto the ward that I received any assistance. My husband had been on the ward over an hour helping me get dressed without staff knowing until the doctors arrived and found him with me. With this I told them I was leaving as I would receive better care at home.