"Excellent staff and treatment, dire food!"

What I liked

I was extremely impressed with this hospital - from senior consultants to people who made the tea, everyone was helpful, friendly, and supportive. The wards were cleaned thoroughly and frequently; staff coming on duty introduced themselves; I must pick out one member of staff for especial praise, although unfortunately I cannot remember her name, but she was a cardiac nurse specialist, and she is absolutely phenomenal - a wonderful and inspirational professional!

My only caveat - and I do understand the financial constraints, having worked in the NHS - but my only grouch would be the food, which was frankly awful. A baked potato with sunflower spread does not an entree make! Nor do I understand how Rice Krispies (which I love!) can be described as "healthy"! To be fair, I had no appetite, and was referred to a dietician, although I was discharged before that could have effect. But it will be some time before I can look a baked potato in the face!

What could be improved

Food, as mentioned above.

I was upset when I was taken to the scanning centre; I did not find the staff there very "people friendly" and have raised this with the PALS and had a reply. But, worse, for me, was an elderly gentleman waiting to be seen who said to me "It's like a slaughterhouse! No-one speaks to you, no-one looks at you!" I watched the staff after he had said that, and he was absolutely right - no-one crossing the waiting area so much as smiled at him, or said Won't be long now. or gave any indication that he was there! He was elderly, he was alone, and frankly he nearly broke my heart. He may well have been confused - it was not like a slaughterhouse! - but not very confused, and he had no-one to support him or explain what was happening. Considering the wonderful service elsewhere in the hospital, I found this very difficult to understand.

Anything else?

I was working in the NHS a few years ago when the hospital was found to be failing and received no star rating. What has been done in the interim is little short of miraculous, and for the most part I have nothing but praise for the service I received. Thank you, and keep up the good work!