"Overnight stay"

I was in overnight for surgery recently. I was in an observation ward with other patients overnight. We had observations from an efficient nurse throughout the night who was very attentive to detail and great at her job.

Sadly, I feel the PCA’s are not so attentive, kind or interested in the job they do.

A number of them have no bedside manners and are rude to patients. Some patients are going through a great deal and I am not sure why a person applies for a job in a hospital environment if you don’t have skills to interact and communicate respectfully to others.

At lunchtime a PCA gave me lunch. As they walked out I found the food was turkey. A nurse had noted my dietary requirements on admittance. I walked out to the hall as I was dressed due to the hospital advising I could contact family to pick me up. I found the lady who served me and advised them I didn’t eat meat. They abruptly said they just deliver, not serve the meals, if you don’t want it I will take it. I explained I had let them know the dietary requirements. They walked into the ward room, said do you want the soup. I replied if it hasn’t got meat in it. They opened the top and said there, that’s fine, no meat.

They continued to quickly put food on the table of elderly lady opposite me, who asked what the food was. The staff member retorted I don’t know. If you have a problem, contact your nurse.

As they left I said to the patient they could have told you as there is a piece of paper stating the menu next to the food. The patient had just had surgery so there was no need to speak so abruptly to them - and how hard is it to look and answer politely.

Why apply for a job that that involves contact with patients if you have no patience or courtesy? You would expect the employees offering you a drink or meal to be considerate people when patients are sick or in pain. Very disappointing. I was wondering how people’s experiences in a Private hospital differ? Compared to years ago it seems you have an operation and you are moved on as quickly as possible with minimal recovery time before you are home.