"A worrying experience made enjoyable due..."

What I liked

I was admitted to the Acute Services Ward on Saturday afternoon May 21 unable to swallow due to a food blockage. This had occurred on the Friday evening so I was in some pain and very anxious about the outcome. My initial vsit to hospital was to the PRH at Haywards Heath. Their efforts produced no result, hence the transfer to Brighton.

All the staff at all levels were courteous and understanding.

Tests were carried out with great sympathy (having tubes put down one's throat is pretty daunting and uncomfortable but all was done with minimum discomfort).

The decision was to clear the blockage mechanically and establish the cause under anaesthetic and this was done during the evening. I then spent a comfortable night in the ward.

I had plenty of time to observe the staff working together without fuss or conflict. I was then discharged on Sunday morning rapidly returning to normal.

Unfortunately, in that busy work area, I was unable to say goodbye and thanks to all those that helped me so I would appreciate if it is possible to make the contents of this message known to them.

Summary - Good humoured, talented and kindly people doing a difficult job on a busy Saturday night.

What could be improved

A more financially viable national situation which would remove the implied threat to NHS jobs. How we get over that one is anybody's guess.

As far as the hospital is concerned, I find it hard to complain about anything other than the need to travel to Brighton because some vital services have been transferred there from the Princess Royal at Haywards Heath.