Addenbrooke's Hospital

Emergency admission for bladder infections and complications. Laid in urine soaked clothes and bed for hours. Staff too busy even in high dependency unit. In ward it was the same even after a 2 hourly check agreed. Always had to change pads, gown, bed pad and sheet. Also, often the top sheet and pillows. Nurses were great but overstretched and night was even worse. Medical treatment was good - doctors did a bed call for 5 mns each day so it's not France but.it relied on overworked nurses to escalate problems to doctors which was flawed. I'm paraplegic so unable to move legs and I get bowel care at home. Hospital doesn't really accommodate disability and can be slow in providing air mattress. Bowel care is non- existent until I start expressing concern and then they use an enema - daily this time but in the past it has been up to 3 days The basic care failings and management of urinary incontinence (unable to use convene catheter, etc.) meant an open sire developed and these can become dangerous for someone with little or no movement. This was caused by laying in urine. The poor ratings reflect lack of care and attention but it was totally NOT the fault of the nurses who were great when the did attend to me

The hospital experience was very good

The Consultant and his Clinical Staff were fantastic, and they looked after both My Wife and I well at all times. The Nurse who looked after me in Recovery was Luigi, and he made a point of stating that he was from Portugal and Not Italy. He was an absolute star, from the moment that I recovered consciousness, to dropping me off in the ward. The nursing staff were also fantastic in the ward.

N/A

Given the current difficulties within the NHS, they achieve excellent standards of collaborative care. It is a real partnership of patient and consultant. Additionally, each consultant is aware of what the others are doing - I work with four - and they are able and willing to consult together where necessary. Would that I could get this level of care locally!