"Please turn the heat on"

2 years ago I had a TKR in a private Newcastle Hospital & it is a great hospital, private & not for profit. I was a patient and no difference was made between NHS patients & private patients. The paperwork and care was identical and 1st class. The meals were superb, presented and served on a proper sized tray. Patients were given menus to make a choice. The rooms were a good size. The staff knew their job

Last week I had day surgery at a Washington Spire private hosp. Day surgery unfortunately the stay extend overnight.

I was NHS and that was clear. Paperwork clearly states NHS from 1st appointment letter,

Private patients had nice rooms and staff with them but NHS patients round the back in cramped icy cold area. Staff could be called!

Surgery and theatre care was excellent, nursing and hospitality care was diabolical. 

The room I was put in was icy cold when I was admitted, I kept a fleece lined jacket on I was so cold

The anaesthetist couldn't even get a venflon into the vein & had to try 3 times before getting a wobbly one in. My veins are so good normally they can be hit at 50 yds! There has never been a problem before. On return from theatre I had a huggy bear hot air blanket on as I was so cold. 

I call it a room it was more like a converted store cupboard about 6 x 10 feet. No en suite, not even a sink. No window, a curtain for a door, totally airless. I was still on a ?plastic draw sheet/pad next morning, bed not made or even touched the whole of my stay. I was lying partly on the plastic mattress cover when I woke up.

For meals I was told what I could have, I decided on the safe option of toast which was served cramped onto a tiny tray.I had to use the isabled toilet, which I reported as broken and unsafe but was still being used the next morning.

I think I would have got better care if I had waited and gone to an NHS hospital. At least I would have been warm.My review is as an RGN as well as a patient

This is one hospital I would not go to again for in patient care