"Made me feel as though I didn't deserve proper medical care"

I went for a termination at the RAH, unfortunately I was left to wait outside the ward which was full of new parents and their babies - this was extremely distressing to me.

I had expected the nurses to be kind and empathetic but that was so far from the truth. They were rude, impatient, huffed and puffed when speaking to me, and couldn't get out of the room quick enough.

I was in the hospital for more than 12 hours and was not offered any water, tea, juice or anything to eat until 8 hours after arrival. I had pressed my button as I was in pain and needed painkillers. When the nurse came, they muttered exasperated comments under their breath.

I was visibly distressed and had asked another nurse if I could discharge myself against medical advice, to which they told me not to be ridiculous that I wasn't going home, that I needed to get a grip and get back into bed.

I have never in my life been made to feel so small, humiliated, or embarrassed.  There is absolutely no need to belittle someone at the worst time of their life! The staff behavior honestly made me feel as though I was a bad person and didn't deserve proper medical care.

This experience has negatively impacted my life as I am now reluctant to seek medical advice, and my opinion of the nursing profession has changed dramatically due to this experience.