"Professional and caring staff, an excellent..."

What I liked

I have been a patient at the Royal Free Pond St. since it opened, I am a Type1 diabetic. My treatment over the years has always been wonderful. I had an Islet transplant in 2005 and another last year. I cannot praise the renal/dibetic team more highly. In both departments, the specialist Dr's seem go beyond a usual level of care. As do the specialist nurses and the regular renal clinic team and blood room team are totally professional and caring, Work like this must be tiring and is certainly demanding but they seem to keep their patience ( which one can see is sometimes tested) and also have fun with the patients.At this last appointment a nurse was keeping all entertained with her very funny comments, patients were laughing out loud. An excellent way to cheer any one who is a bit under the weather.Equally showing great concern over less able patients. On the following sunday, the Dr rang me to let me know that my results ( which had been concerning, had improved, so I wasn't to worry.) My friends thought I was a private patient..they were stunned when I said I was and have always been an NHS patient. At that point I wanted to write to thank The Royal Free Staff. A great example of the Health Service at work.

Anything else?

With my medical condition I have to stay in hospital from time to time. Again, Nursing/ Dr care is excellent, the cleaners work hard and the volunteers are great as well. Over the years, the quality of food has sadly got worse. Thank goodness for the sandwiches because the cooked food is sometimes uneatable!

Staying in Hosp,one has hours watch what happens and several times I saw people waiting ages for hosp. porters. Overheard, outside the room I was in, a nurse telling a porter to go back to the porter office as he wasn't needed. He had been making personal mobile phone calls and standing about. When I was sent for a test, 2 arrived to push my wheel chair, ( perhaps they had thought I was in a bed) but on my return, two arrived again, to push me back (I weigh about 54kg's.) what a waste of resourses..when there always seems to be a long wait for them to arrive. I have often heard them be rude to the nurses when asked where they have been etc.

Equaly many have been very polite and kind. A shame that some abuse their possition and spoil the service.