The Priory Hospital North London 2016-01-08 Person 4 5 0

Overall, most of the staff on the ward were lovely, always up for a chat and genuine people who really helped me a lot :) Thank you to all of you. The Consultant on the ward was ignorant and rude, horribly inpatient with me, and didn't take into consideration anything I said. He clearly does not care about patients. If there is anything he cares about at all, I suspect it is only making money. The consultant's assistant ( I think she was the assistant) was very caring, understanding and supportive, always listened to me and was the only reason I ever felt marginally ok whilst seeing the consultant. Overall I was treated with dignity and respect by both staff and other patients. The staff respected my privacy, treated personal issues in a very caring and confidential manner, and helped me to keep my dignity intact during many difficult times. Although I only stayed at the priory for a short time, many of the staff on the ward made a great effort to get to know me, and build trusting and therapeutic relationships with me, increasing my confidence and my ability to communicate during times of need, which is having a long term impact on me. :) Between the patients there was a caring, supportive, family-like atmosphere which definitely helped my recovery. :) However, the only negative comment I would make in regards to dignity and respect, was one night during an unexpected crisis, I was clearly distressed and I was simply left to my own devices for the vast majority of the time. My anxiety became so bad that I was delirious, vomiting and lost continence, yet no one sat with me for more than a few minutes, and no one seemed to know what to do with me, so I was simply left alone during a time of need and fear. I could have really done with some support and someone to stay with me during this time, which probably would have enabled me to come round and recover much quicker than I did. However, despite this isolated incident, the staff have been wonderful and very supportive the rest of the time, and I really appreciate the confidence and help they have given me. My psychologist was amazing, very understanding, caring and non-judgemental. The groups were brilliant, there is a wide range of groups, and the ones I was scheduled to attend really reflected my individual needs and were very beneficial to me. Upon admission, My choices regarding medication were respected and adhered to. However, some other decisions about my care, I had no say in or control over. For example, When coming off and going back on to 1-1, the consultant gave me no say in this matter or a chance to express what I felt I needed. I was also not allowed off the premises when not on 1-1 (despite being a voluntary patient), and I was transferred with absolutely no notice at all, which caused me a lot of distress. Everywhere was clean and kept well, the housekeeping staff were always very respectful and did an excellent job. The food was brilliant, and caters for a wide range of dietary needs. Kitchen staff were very friendly and helpful. :) Overall, I was treated very well by the staff looking after me, I felt safe and cared for, and I would definitely recommend this hospital.