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Royal Victoria Infirmary 2016-04-13 Person 4 5 0

I recently had an operation and spent a night in the RVI. It was like being in a hotel. The nursing staff were very caring, attentive, supportive, accommodating and informative and the treatment I received was efficient and successful. One concern, however, is that when in pre-op, although the curtains were drawn, I could hear everyone elses situation around me and likewise I am sure they could hear about my medical history and surgery which should have been private and confidential. I felt the same when I spent a day in ambulatory care last year. I don't know what can be done to improve this but it is uncomfortable. Although my experience, overall, was very positive, I would also like to remark on the beginning of the day. Patients were asked to turn up to the ward at 7:30 am. I expect many had to travel, and were highly, anxious. Although staff came and went onto the ward prior to the time indicated, the ward remained locked and there was nowhere on the corridor (where many people waited) for anyone to sit. I noted one elderly man, who's carer actually asked a passing healthcare worker for a chair, fairly wilting as he stood and waited; no chair was forthcoming. Would it be possible to open the ward a little earlier so that any early birds could sit and wait rather than stand in the corridor - or maybe an explanation in the appointment letter for those arriving early to inform that the ward would be locked until 7:30 but suggesting another area in the hospital where people could wait more comfortably - or stagger arrival times.