I've been out of the loop recently due to being in hospital and I'm now embarking on a long recovery at home.
My stay in hospital highlighted a couple of important issues -
I needed a blood transfusion and because I am a rare type, my blood arrived the following morning from Manchester. I am extremely grateful to the donor. I gave blood for as long as I could and all I can say is that if you are able to, please consider it, it's so important.
http://www.blood.co.uk/index.aspx
Something I hadn't bargained for during my stay was the hidden charges of being in hospital - first up was the extortionate parking fees, my husband paid £11 per day to visit me. The choice of hospital food was limited so if there was nothing on the menu I could eat (and that happened at least 3 days a week) I had to buy something from the café along with hot drinks which we often didn't receive with the main meals. Food prices were on a par with motorway service stations, a small chicken curry with rice was £7; jacket potato with one filling was £6 plus £1 for a small pot of cheese (second filling.) Tea was around £3.10 and coffee far more. We spent about £250 during those few days. My life was saved and the care exemplary, but financially it was expensive.
There was an article in the Mail on Sunday on the subject:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2780558/Mugged-hospital-beds-The-NHS-s-hidden-charges-cold-drinks-snacks-bedside-TV-sets-phones.html
