"Feedback for the hospital"

I write this as I am in recovery.

I came into the ED presenting with appendicitis, after a short wait in which a nurse brought me pain relief within 5 minutes, I was admitted and given a bed in ED.

My wait was quite long and finally I found out I needed surgery.

A staff member whom I think was called Arim came and saw me, and he explained quite a bit and was very reassuring and a pleasure to meet. There was also another ED doctor called Rebecca and she was also extremely helpful and pleasant.

-------- bad part --------

I spent 14 hours in ED and was not allowed to eat or drink in case I went into surgery and I had not eaten for 12 hours when I first got to the ED.

No one seemed to have a straight answer as to when I would have surgery, this was the worst part of my experience as it felt as though there was a complete communication breakdown.

If I had have been able to eat and drink, knowing that I would not have surgery for another 24 hours then I feel the visit would have be infinitely more bearable.

I was told late in the evening it would be in the morning, this was told to me by someone in their civvy clothing as they were leaving their shift, almost as an afterthought, and I was given an hour to eat/drink.

I was not offered food or drink and instead had to have a friend bring me a burger and drink from Maccas.

Once moved to 2 west things did change a bit. However the apparent communication breakdown of when I would actually have surgery continued.

Thinking it would be morning, I was not allowed to eat/drink, and in the end did not have the surgery until the following afternoon.

--------- end of bad part --------

For day shift there is a nurse called Peter, and I would like to say thank you for his help and professionalism.

When I çame out of surgery, in my spaced out mind I called him cute, I am highly embarrassed of this, but he was very professional and reassuring.

There is a nurse here on night shift, her name is Laura.

Throughout this whole ordeal she has helped put me at ease, I felt her compassion and understanding was above and beyond.

Without her here I believe I would have been so much more of a mess, both physically and emotionally. Her lighthearted banter was enough to put a smile on my face when I was feeling down and just having her in the ward put me more at ease.

Her patience with me has meant I am now feeling stronger, and I am feeling much more hopeful about my recovery.

I normally avoid seeking medical treatment because of fear and bad experiences however her positive attitude and kindness reassured me that I was being looked after, and throughout my stay I felt I was in good hands and her work had an enormous, positive impact on my stay here.

P.s she makes a mean cup of tea. 😍