"Very upsetting on top of the shock of being so ill..."

What I liked

A&E Staff and Medical Asssessment Unit (where I was from 30 Jan - 2nd Feb) were professional and caring. My Consultant Endocrinologist was also very compassionate, a good communicatior and explained muy diagnoses well - his team were also excellent.

There was one exceptional member of staff on the Medical Ward (Folington) where I was transferred from 2nd Feb - to 10th Feb when I was discharged. Unfortunately this person was only on duty once during my stay. Other individual staff also tried very hard to be professional - but were worn down by the end of the shift - and in fact many started their shift in obvious distress. Not theri direct fault at all.

What could be improved

Clear leadership, supervision, monitoring, communication and management from Senior staff.This goes all the way to the top of the organisation and their should not immediately be a culture of blame towards staff.

Patients to be treated with dignity and respect - do not assume that because someone is temporarily confused that they are lacking human feelings and thoughts. Do not mock people's weaknesses and show more compassion.. I spent a lot of time looking after" other patients and a nurse even joked that they should get me a uniform so I could help more!

Availability of ince packs for my infected right arm would have been great and saved me a lot of pain which delayed my recovery and meant my right arm was nearly unsusable for several days. Better risk management - the risk had been identified in my arm and was not managed appropirately. Appalling basic health and safety standards - trip hazards, eg trailing leads and lack of general inspection for essential emergency equipment.

Complete lack of understanding regarding infection control and the Norvirus - "it's airborne you know" Little understanding of cleaning/basic hygiene. the need Discharge procedure was also traumatic for me - difficulty getting outpatient appointment that I should have received whilst in hospital as a patient before discharge.

Anything else?

I'm afraid this will result in a formal complaint from me - but this takes time and energy.

I have tried to post this twice before but it does not seem to appear on the site.

I have tried to give a balanced view - and have seen this from the patients and nursing staff view point - and sympathise with both.