"Many things: The effective treatment, of..."

What I liked

Many things:

The effective treatment, of course, and clear explanations of what had been wrong with me.

The team of wards 6 / 7: thorough professionals, full of cheer, kindness and consideration.

The small wards.

The cleanliness of washing and toilet facilities, so obviously important in such wards.

The excellent choice and quality of food, especially two of the best quiches I have ever had, and some pork that was better than I have experienced in so-called 'posh' restaurants.

The electrically controlled beds.

The access to radio and television.

What could be improved

Some patients had obvious difficulty remembering what the doctors had said, probably because of unfamiliar language or even basic understanding of their bodies. When they tried telling their families they could only give a vague indicaton, e.g.' it's something to do with my stomach'. I realise it's tricky but perhaps some brief note in lay terms on a slip of paper could be given afterwards or appended to the file so they could read it later.

Although the food is excellent, the terms used in the menus are not always familiar to patients who have a very modest experience of food varieties. I felt very sorry for a young lad who had never heard of 'ploughman's lunch' or 'sauté' potatoes and was clearly a bit embrarrassed at his ignorance.That sort of thing can make people feel inferior or intimidated.

There was a noise problem at night. Of course, a certain amount is to be expected, but the source was not patients. It was a couple of banging doors and a high-pitched squeaky BP trolley trundling down corridors. Not the staff's fault. (I gather the new ward will solve that problem. Bravo!)

Anything else?

I have nothing but praise and admiration for the treatment received.

It would be unfair to single out any individual or group in view of the fact that I came into direct contact with nearly fifty staff, from A&E to the wards! They all made a very fine team, including the ladies responsible for the cleanliness of the wards. I experienced nothing but reassuring professionalism, caring understanding and constant consideration.

I realise I am only one voice but I hope it can ring out loud and clear and reduce to a whisper the often unrealistic complaints I hear through the media. Anyone who takes time to consider what happens in many other countries will realise what a uniquely good system we have.

I know you are constantly trying to make improvements and I hope the 'cuts' do not halt the clear , dramatic progress made so far

So, many thanks from me and a very appreciative family.

Please do make sure m yappreciation gets back to the staff of Ward 7 as was, returning to 6 24-5 July.