"Peadiatric Cardiac Care Ward 1E"

Our stay in this ward with our child was very uncomfortable, not only were we made to feel uncomfortable and unwelcome to the ward by staff, but the lack of professionalism shown by staff, including senior staff was quite frankly shocking.

Whilst my baby was in their care, not only was he often left to lay in completely soaking and dirty nappies, but routine observations and record keeping was majorly lacking, to the point that feeds (for an underweight baby may I add) were given late, medications were administered late and when we brought up any concerns regarding our child's health and wellbeing, these concerns were brushed off and ignored. 

There was one occasion when I walked into the ward to find my child incosolably crying, in nothing but a wet nappy with no blankets or coverings, surrounded by wires that supply his medication lying around him and to add to that the staff members were sat at the main desk chatting to one another. I sent a picture of how I found my child to my partner, who was also shocked and disgusted that our child had been left lying like this. 

There has also been cases where we have witnessed all staff sharing takeaways in empty patient rooms with nobody on the floor or in the bed bay, as well as numerous conversations where the only thing I can describe as bitching going on about other staff members and a clear unhappiness shown in regards to rotas and holidays given. This is something that shouldn't be spoken about in front of parents of patients, as it shows a lack of willingness in the job. 

We were also made privy by several staff members that we had been gossiped about in regards to our ability to control our stress and anxiety. This shows a clear lack of understanding because what parent would not be stressed and anxious when their children are seriously ill and in hospital and feeling a lack of transparency, respect, compassion or understanding from the very people that are supposed to be taking care of the health and wellbeing of your child! 

In all honesty from this experience alone, I have lost total faith and or trust in the NHS. I understand the NHS is under pressure, but I think the staff need to have a reality check and understand that they are working for a public service, they have the health of others in their hands and they should undertake their job in an appropriate way with the compassion and empathy that it requires.