Belfast City Hospital

Ok so probably weird me doing a review of a hospital but I have been here for a few days and I just had to say how amazing the staff who work here are!! So helpful and friendly and cannot do enough for you.

I would obviously not go out of my way to be here but I'm glad I'm at this hospital out of them all.

The food leaves a little to be desired lol But I recommend the jelly and ice cream ;) haha

People have all kinds of opinions about the state of our health service. Me, they've been fantastic for. The City Hospital itself needs an upgrade, but as for the Cancer Clinic, it is clean, efficient and I'm sure the screaming I just heard was nothing to do with the doctors! Joking aside, it may not be perfect, but we'd all be worsening without them!

Now, I know it's never a nice experience having to go in to hospital. Thankfully, I haven't been in that position, but my boyfriend's been in recently for some minor surgery (Literally one as we speak! Eek!) and because of this I've been spending a lot of my time here (in the tower block section) and I must say I am very impressed with the quality and standard of the service he has received whilst in care here. Most notably I've been amazed with the cleanliness and hygiene standards in the wards, the friendliness of the staff nurses (especially ward 2 South - lovely girl!) and also I couldn't get over how good the coffee/gift shop was as well as the standard of meals on offer for the patients; they looked and tasted really nice! Gone are the days of crappy hospital food that'd near enough kill you off itself! Sandwiches / steak and kidney pie / soup -they looked really tasty and from reports it was all good quality food! Mostly I can comment on the shop because it seemed like I never stopped running up and down to pick up different bits and pieces and I've drank my way through I don't know how many coffees, especially the tall mochas, with marshmallows and cream (Yum! What a treat!) There were wee fifteen buns and rocky road treats which I had to stop myself from getting every time I was ordering! The sandwiches from the shop were well tasty, there was a great range of magazines, books, puzzles, newspapers, chocolate, sweets, drinks, fruit etc. everything you could need to entertain the poor patients.

Also, the Tower Block Gallery was a real therapeutic experience taking away some of the foreboding, depressing experiences hospitals usually bring about, instead providing a talking point and focus on positive creative art. The work is generally done by patients as an extension of their O.T. care. Andrea Spencer is the resident artist for the hospital and she runs various classes and workshops for patients including; ceramics, painting, silk work, photography and creative writing. This has been running for over fifteen years and focuses on the process rather than the product of the art. This process is used as a communication tool which aims to open windows not usually achieved during periods in hospital. Over the years programmes such as portrait painting, shadow puppets, sculptures and a flea circus have given the in patients a great and fun experience to take away from the negativity of hospital life. The gorgeous gallery is a brilliant idea which puts a smile on many a face which enters the usually foreboding doors. This has been transformed in to a talking point and positive influence. I would highly recommend this hospital to anyone having difficulty deciding between the hospitals in the area. Other bonuses include the stunning views from the higher levels of the wards (though as they say, the views are so good from inside 'cause you can't see the hideous hospital outside!)

Staff in this hospital are excellent.I really can`t fault the care that I recieived as an inpatient.Hospital food wasn`t bad either.Felt very much at ease and never felt like I was a nuisance being there.The wards however could do with updating.They were spotless and the domestic staff worked hard but it is dull and dark and could do with a lick of paint (which I think they may have been starting at the time)and more modern bathrooms as oppose to twin showers,meaning I had to share the bathroom with others as there were 2 showers in there.
As an out patient the waiting time at clinics was very long and the seating area extremely busy and cramped,although the reception staff do keep you updated on the waiting times and reasons for delays etc.
This hospital has a great location on the Lisburn road.It has its own rail link and the bus stops outside all the entrances which makes it very easy to get to.The car park is a different story.The ones near the entrance to the tower(main building) and also the A&E entrance are small and it can be very difficult to get a space during the day.This means parking in the multi-storey which is not good if you have walking difficulties/are in pain etc.The car park is also quite expensive if you are there for a few hours.There is a well stocked newsagents and coffee/sandwich bar in the main Tower and smaller versions in the Cancer Centre,the latter being a beautiful,modern and bright building.Payphones and a help desk are also located inside the entrance to the tower.

super hospital , lovely staff best in belfast only downside is the a and e being closed .