"Good, after a very poor start"

What I liked

The staff on Elmton ward were all very friendly, especially the tea trolley ladies who provided a welcome interruption to the monotony of the ward. Elmton ward was always very clean and quiet.

I remain amazed at how the nurses on the ward were able to put me at ease during difficult times, im sure its a quality that is in-built and cant be trained for!

What could be improved

I was sent to EMU by my GP in considerable pain from Diverticulitis. When I arrived, I gave reception my referral letter and was asked to wait in a waiting room.

The room was small, cramped, dirty, crowded and alltogether unpleasant. I was abandoned here for 5 hours. It was only when I went to tell them that I was leaving that a doctor spoke to me. I complained that nobody had even checked whether I was still alive, examined me, or asked a single question about me. His response was 'well, do you want me to examine you in the corridor?' I commented that I had been unable to have anything to drink , response to that was 'you cant since you are pre-surgery' News to me! Oddly enough, I was brought a cup of tea shortly after. When I was finally taken to a bed and examined, the only comment was 'well I don't think your peritonitic'

I was given some pain relief after about 6 hours and finally managed to get some sleep. about 1:30 in the morning, I was woken up to be moved to Elmton ward where the level of care improved somewhat.

During my stay, the need for a bladder scanner arose on 2 occasions. This equipment had to be borrowed from another ward which resulted in a delay the first time and a delay with me in considerable pain the second time. I was told that they were raising money to be able to buy one. I couldn't believe that the hospital couldn't fund a few thousand pound for equipment that is regularly needed.

Some form of mechanical ventilation on Elmton ward would be good. Owing to the nature of the patients conditions the ward wasnt exactly fragrant.

Finally, my bed broke and for the last 24 hours of my stay was totally flat, it wasnt repaired during that time.

Anything else?

The food on offer was fairly poor, I had to consult the menu to identify it on most occasions.

The tea trolley could be on later, or perhaps patients asked if they need a hot drink.

There isnt anywhere to place belongings whilst using the shower to keep them dry.

It is clear that EMU is lacking in bed space, and is in serious need of refurbishment.