"Superb care at Charing Cross Hospital"

After more than a week with serious diarrhea I made an appointment with the on-call GP at Charing Cross Hospital at Hammersmith and when I saw the doc, I showed evidence of dehydration, so was admitted to A&E and put on a drip.

I was in serious distress and pain when I arrived and I received the most sympathetic and reassuring care from all doctors, nurses and orderlies. Everyone was so kind, talking me through what would happen, and to my surprise actually admitting me to a ward after some tests.

I ended up staying for 48 hours in hospital where the staff in 5 West were so good to me, responding to any query I might have quickly and even innovatively (when it came to my contact lenses we had to come up with a solution for storage). As I had come to hospital unprepared, staff also supplied a few toiletries and things to get through my stay, so I felt completely cared for.

I ended up arguing to be released on Sunday night - I was due to stay till at least Monday, but felt I could care for myself at home thenceforth, and while the staff were sympathetic they were also (correctly) keen to ensure I was well enough to be released. Eventually I was released and sent home in a cab, but throughout the staff were all generous and kind whilst also keen to ensure professional standards were maintained.

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience of Charing Cross hospital. I feel my needs were always paramount, and for what was eventually just a particularly virulent and damaging virus, I was treated with extreme care and responsibility.

Bravo, NHS. Your hospital care is outstanding.