Croydon University Hospital 2018-11-27 Person 1 5 0

Day Surgery Unit - no complaints before the operation - anaesthetist was really lovely and answered all my questions - minimal waiting around. Very efficient. Day Surgery After Care Ward - so disappointing - so little care. I was left with a banging headache and in desperate need of water. I hadn't had anything to drink for over three hours and I have a health condition that means I am more likely to suffer from dehydration. My specs and alarm button were both left out of my reach so I felt very vulnerable. After blindly managing to flag someone down I finally got some water and asked for pain relief which I never received. I was never offered food or a cup of tea even though I hadn't eaten for over 8 hours. I lay there for what seemed hours, needing more water and pain relief. When it became obvious I was very upset to the point of tears, and asking to go home, I was offered a cup of tea and given pain relief. This was later snatched away when I hadn't taken it straight away. (I think the adrenaline rush from being upset actually eased my pain). Later, it came back but I felt uncomfortable about asking the nurse for more. The ward toilet contained bins over-flowing with what looked like soiled sanitary towels. I was left feeling very sad about my experience. Maybe it was just me? I hope so.