"Frustrating, worrying, horrible."

What I liked

The quality of care on Malins Ward was very good. Within the first day, we spoke to the doctor on the ward and had an update on my Dad's condition. The cafe is good and meant we could get hot drinks without going all the way to A&E.

What could be improved

My Dad stayed in WH in August and left in September, after a short stay at Walsgrave. My Dad was never one to make a fuss and his terminal condition meant that he was not communicative at times. The staff were aware of this but it was convenient when they were short of staff and having to deal with more difficult patients.

The quality of care must be improved. For instance, Dad was in a great deal of pain and his main relief were huge co-codamol tablets, not ideal when he was unable to swallow. Dad was unable to walk to the toilet, especially once he was catheterised, and was left in his own mess on at least one ocassion. Dad also developed bed sores which were were not told about until he was transferred to a separate hospital. Communication with staff was very low. I have never felt so invisible as I did waiting for someone to acknowledge my existence at the main desk when I wanted to ask for additional pain relieff for my Dad. My main priority after his operation was to get Dad out of WH as quickly as possible.

Anything else?

The food given to patients is terrible, absolutely dreadful. A speciality is the spinach and chickpea salad. I challenge the hospital management to live off the hospital food for a few days.