"Variable care of my elderly father at Southend Hospital"

My Father has been in Southend Hospital many times over the past 15 years including 3 admissions this year alone. Every time we get a different service ranging from excellent to appalling. Each and every ward is different and there are now many on our list which we refuse beds on because of what, in our opinion, are terrible standards of hygiene, many rude and un-communicative staff and below average nursing practice.

On one occassion in A&E, my Father was left for over 2 hours crying in pain when taken back in to the hospital by Ambulance following a procedure the hospital had done wrong. I had to virtually beg staff to give him some pain relief and believe me, as a Registered Nurse myself, I was disgusted and appalled that a human being could be put through such treatment at the hands of "so called" caring professionals. Next time one of my family needs A&E, unless it is immediately life threatening, I will drive to Basildon.

I won't shame the whole hospital as there are undoubtedly many kind, caring and professional staff that do work there and do a great job and in particular, Gordon Hopkins, Kitty Hubbard are fantastic.

My words of advice.......take plenty of disposable antibacterial surface wipes, question all aspects of your or your loved one's treatment and medicines and never be afraid to complain to the duty site manager if you feel concerned about anything...............your life is in their hands.