"My stay on Leigh ward at East Surrey Hospital"

I was admitted with gall bladder problems, the only bed that was available for me in the hospital was on this ward (for the elderly), my first impression was there was a lot of noise (I found out later the noise was from other patients).

I could go on and on about the lack of care and consideration that lacked for these elderly ladies but I wont, as it was not the lack of care from the staff it was the lack of staff especially during the night time. I was absolutely astounded at this and was reduced to tears on the first night I spent there, I did my best to help the ladies as much as I could, I even shouted at the staff when they told me they were to busy to get bed pans for the ladies, I realised after a few nights that they were in fact so busy and couldn't cope with looking after so many patients. This is so unfair not just for the patients but for the staff as well, they cannot be expected to care for such different levels of care.

As for myself, I don't feel I got any care really. The staff were to busy looking (or trying) to look after the more needy, which I absolutely appreciate and agree with, this experience really upset me, and if my mother ever got admitted to this ward I or one of my family would stay with her overnight to make sure she was cared for in the way she should be. I will reiterate it is not the staff's fault it is the lack of staff.