"Ward 4A"

Recently stayed in 4A following surgery. Surgeons were excellent as was the very overworked ward doctor. By far the majority of nursing staff and nursing assistants were empathic and caring. The sister in charge worked non stop but unfortunately us patients didn't get to know them as they had so much paperwork to do, and I witnessed at least one nurse working way over shift time because of the workload. Some of the nursing assistants were amazing, they worked relentlessly and nothing was too much trouble. Unfortunately one nurse came across as very lazy and uncaring and one nursing assistant needed lessons in empathy and at one point had me in tears with their attitude. One thing that I have a huge concern about is staff carrying mobile phones around with them and answering messages whilst patients were talking to them. I also felt uneasy with this as there is the potential for a huge invasion of patient privacy with most mobile phones having cameras. The catering staff were on the whole friendly and helpful apart from one in particular who was very rude and unhelpful (bearing in mind all of us in a 6 bay ward were bed bound) when asked for butter, shouting that they would get some if they had time and this wasn't even their ward!

Eventually returning with the butter and throwing it over to me (most of it landed on the floor). Cleaning staff were friendly and hardworking.

Physio & OT staff were all empathic and also hard working. I think discharge procedures need to be attended to as promised district nurse referral was not implemented despite being on my discharge notes and I had to chase it up myself when I returned home. District nurses confirmed that no referral had been made. On the whole my stay was pleasant but some staff need to be reminded to treat patients as individuals and with dignity as we are already feeling very vulnerable and sometimes afraid. I also really do think the issue of staff carrying mobile phones onto the ward needs to be addressed ASAP I find it hard to believe there isn't already a relevant policy in place but it really needs to be implemented.