"A tale of two wards at DRI"

I was transferred to the surgical assessment ward at Doncaster Royal, from Montagu Hospital, following day surgery as I needed a further procedure.

I arrived late afternoon by ambulance and was taken to my bed by ambulance staff. I was in considerable pain and was bewildered when no member of staff came to talk to me.

After waiting for an hour I called a nurse and was told someone would come shortly, this was repeated several times through the evening but no one came.

Eventually I requested a gown and a blanket as I was cold, a gown was thrown at me and I was told there were no blankets. The staff I met were rude, offhand and dismissive to myself and other patients in the room.

I realise that staff are under pressure and busy, but it takes no longer to be polite than to be rude. Surely nursing staff understand the need to reassure and inform patients?

The first professional care I received was from the surgeon and anaesthetist who came prior to my surgery just before midnight. They were both helpful and reassuring.

I feel that the nursing staff I met on this ward let down their profession by their poor attitude and neglect. This ethos seemed to pervade the whole of the nursing team and was disappointing, worrying and unnecessary.

After my surgery I awoke in Ward 21 where the care was exemplary from all staff. Their attitude was completely different and I was very happy with the care I received. It is perplexing and worrying that two wards in the same hospital can give such different experiences to the patient.