"Constant reminders that they needed the bed"

On arriving at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital the TAU was poorly signposted and it took a member of staff to show us where to go. The staff in the TAU were friendly, helpful and explained what they were going to do in a way that I could understand. The aftercare I received on the ward N5 was good during the day, but not so good during the night, when I had to wait to be attended to.

The fact that every patient if they wanted to watch television or listen to the radio had to pay for the privilege, I found most disappointing. £5 for 24 hours and because they moved me to another ward meant I only used TV for roughly 5 hours with no reimbursement. I found this disgusting.

The nurse who explained my home care seemed to be in a rush to do it with constant reminders that they needed the bed. On the whole I found only a few members of the ward staff friendly and caring. This is how I expect all nurses to be: friendly, caring and nothing too much trouble. And the staff in the TAU were superb, as was the lady in the discharge lounge.

The meals I had, for breakfast one weetabix and orange juice. At home I would have three. I wasn't asked how many I would like. For lunch two sandwiches and a strawberry mousse with orange juice. This I had to rush because I was being discharged. I came into hospital Monday morning and left lunchtime the next day. It just seemed too quick for the operation I had to repair a damaged nerve near my spine.