"True patient centred care"

I was admitted to AMU recently via my GP with severe dehydration due to what was believed to be a stomach bug. I was allocated a side room due to the contagious nature of why I was being admitted. The staff were brilliant from the minute I stepped into the ward. 

I am very difficult to bleed and cannulate at the best of times but having not kept fluids down for 4 days it was an even more challenging ask. I explained this to the nursing staff and instead of using me as a pin cushion they called on the services of the “hospital at night” nurse who is well versed in bleeding patients who are notoriously difficult. The nurse (D) was a lovely and he put me at ease straight away. He managed to find a vein to get the blood samples needed and a cannula to be placed. 

I had many other staff conduct assessments on me during my short stay and they always treated me with respect and dignity. The consultant was lovely and explained to me in detail the plan for my care whilst in the unit. I felt involved in my care and was spoken to with kindness. 

I was only on AMU overnight and was discharged the following day as I was feeling a lot better after responding well to fluids. 

The day after my discharge the consultant called me to let me know the results of samples which had been taken during my admission. He clearly explained the results and the process that would follow as I had be diagnosed with a notifiable type of bacterial food poisoning rather then a viral stomach bug as we had all thought. Explained about the short term and long term side effects of the infection as well as the process that would follow with Public Health and Safety. He also informed me of what to look out for which might indicate that I was becoming unwell again or if I needed to be given antibiotics for the infection. 

On a side note, I would like to add that as a patient with a severe mental health condition I had been unable to take my medication for several days due to vomiting. I was quickly given my medication via injection so that I didn’t become mentally unwell. I was never once made to feel stigmatised or judged for my mental health and was looked after in a compassionate way. 

I would like to thank all the staff on AMU that saw during my 24 hour stay as well as the doctor for calling me directly with the results even after I’d be discharged. True patient centred care.