I would be fired from my job if I treated my customers the way some of the health care assistants treated my relative and the family in general. Rolling eyes and tutting when asked to do something as simple as provide a commode/toilet assistance. Muttering comments that they already helped the patient earlier that day. Is that not their job?! I wonder if the FETAC/QQI qualifications are worth the paper they're written on. Some HCAs should do a compassion course, particularly those dealing with elderly patients.

I would not recommend this hospital to anyone. A&E has a horrible dirty bathroom. My friend was waiting to be seen for eight hours and she was not even given painkillers during that time because the nurse could not find a doctor to sign a prescription. My friend was given all sorts of tests, lots of different doctors asking the same questions but they were not really listening. Seven days later when she was crying about the diagnosis, they were ripping the sheets off her bed! It was very upsetting to see her being treated with such a lack of kindness or dignity. It was a terrible experience. My friend is dreading having to go back for further treatment. She was crying uncontrollably when she left. They told her to go to her GP again to be referred for other treatments because 'that's not their department'.

Very well run hospital.

Shocking scenes in the waiting room: drunks lying around, very hostile atmosphere. Incredibly dirty sanitary conditions at the restroom: just one available, in very poor condition, the other one out of order. No apparent waiting order on who is next and when. I was told a nurse would see me in 15 minutes after admission, but it took a full hour which I had to spend in that unfriendly room. The nurse was really very kind and gentle. But her cause was lost in that incredible chaos! She was interrupted several times by aggressive people knocking from the waiting room. And all this just to be told I would have to wait 12 hours to see a doctor, even though I had given them a clear indication on being in severe pain, having severe diarhoea with heavy blood loss. But the fault is probably not with the personnel, who looked totally overwhelmed by their mission impossible.

Very good and efficient. I had to wait a bit but that's to be expected as staff are overworked, but in general they treated me with dignity and respect at all times.

Public area toilets were appalling and have been so for many months despite complaints from myself and others. Frequently there is no soap in any dispensers, hand dryers broken for weeks on end and floors remain soiled for long periods between cleaning. These issues are a health hazard and unacceptable.

Attended an outpatient appointment with a family member. Doctor was very rude, unpleasant, unmannerly, and we came away feeling utter frustration and shock at his attitude.

Had to go to A&E late Friday night due to an allergic reaction. Was seen to straight away, reassured and treated very promptly. All the staff had a lovely manner, particularly Dr Ken. Kept in under observation for a few hours and watched the A&E staff attend so many patients, all with the same kindness and professionalism.

Dr. Gleason and dr Gillham are the best doctors, they saved my life!

It just 2 years ago, I was given an epidural for pain relief post operation (which was not explained or I would have refused it) it was not working at all in the right place and with the staff giving an Ice test every 15 - 20 mins I got awful bed sores on heels and bottom. Was attending for months after and daily nurses at home. Once these came to light in the hospital I felt I was treated as a laper in case I might sue???? Well that is how I felt. Was sent home with no instructions or plan of care. I live over an hour and 30 mins from hospital. Worst place on the planet. Was not told either that I would have bleeding 10 - 12 days post surgery.On another point the food would poison you. For example one evening for tea the plate had a rasher sausage pudding and beans plus FROZEN CHIPS FROM THE FREEZER NOT COOKED JUST PLACED ON TOP OF THE BEANS and I felt that was a good day............

I was in St James's A& E on an incredibly busy night. Between the time I arrived and the time I was actually seen by a doctor, 11 hours had gone by, and this was in the middle of the night. People were very angry at the wait they had and one poor nurse had to deal with all the angry comments from everyone, she had no one there with her. When I did eventually see a doctor she was fantastic, a lovely woman who explained everything to me and spoke to me like I was a human (unlike a lot of doctors in other hospitals!!) I ended up needing a brain CT scan the porter the radiology staff were all great, my overall experience at St James's hospital was a positive one, my only other negative comment to make would be the attitude of the security staff in the A&E who I understand have a difficult job dealing with the people who come into the hospital drunk or drugged but they were making it difficult for the patients and their families to get back in after going outside for fresh air or a smoke, they also stare at everyone making them uncomfortable needlessly.

Clearly all staff are suffering due to shortages, they did they best the could but it was obvious morale was low.

I was admitted following what was meant to be a day procedure, but had to stay. It was very difficult to get food and I could not get a mouth wash (I didn't bring my own as hadn't expected to stay). I also couldn't get medication during the night. Yet my insurance company was charged over €800. Day care was excellent, night care???

After being admitted to the hospital I was left freezing cold in a hallway in excruciating pain for 30 minutes before a nurse came to ask me what was wrong. During my very brief consultation I was interrupted several times due to other patients needing help. I was then brought to zone three where I was given a bed pan, and sat with it underneath me for 25 minutes before my husband had to find a nurse to take it away. Then I was wheeled to the hallway under a bright light next to a loud and noisy ER security door where I stayed from 10pm until 7:00am until I was finally seen by someone. Not one nurse came to see if I was okay, needed any pain medication, see if I had to go to the bathroom, needed water or anything. I was left on my own, and if I needed something I had to yell across a hallway in the hopes that one of the two nurses on staff may hear me. The standard of care was appalling. I understand they are short staffed but I literally sat in pain for 9.5 hours before I saw anyone who could help. I was only given a sheet for a blanket and pain pills after making my husband track down someone who could help. I left in pain and could not make it into a taxi to get home so I had to be readmitted to the hospital which even though I just left I had to refill in all the forms and go through the entire administrative process again. I was seen by another doctor who seemed knowledgable and friendly and was more helpful than the entire staff from the night shift. I would never go back to that hospital again if I could help it.

Absolutely terrible and unacceptable service. If possible pick a different hospital. We arrived to the Emergency Department at 11pm, only to be left as two fools to sit around and wait throughout the night with 10 other people for 8-and-a-half long freaking hours before getting any kind of treatment. Be warned - you will have to pay in advance 100 euro. After that you probably won't be willing to 'just leave'. After that, the doctor disappeared, we asked for something for pain because it progressed throughout the night quite a bit. The doctor simply put a smile on his face and said 'fine'. Of course they had a shift change, so the doctor went away and we didn''t get any painkillers for the next 2.5 hours. We again sat and waited and nobody seemed to care even one bit. After asking a dozen more times, we finally got a pleasant nurse to give us some painkiller. If they think this is acceptable behaviour and service for an ED, I urge them to try and experience something like this on their own skin. On top of everything, the waiting room was extremely dirty and unsanitary.

Rude and ignorant doctor from beginning to end.

Very bad visit, human waste on the pavement outside the entrance (blocked drain), the toilet so bad I could not use them had to use ladies just to give a urine sample. The doctor had no instrument to look in my ear, which I am having a lot of problems with. This is not a one off as last year they had no way of looking in my ear also. I have no issue with any of the staff as they do a great job, but with no proper equipment, how can they?

The level of care, dignity and kindness displayed by Prof John Reynolds and his entire team are a credit to this hospital.

I had two surgeries done at the same time and the doctors and operating room staff treated me with courtesy and respect at all times. The staff on my ward were all excellent and couldn't do enough for me. They all deserve an award for the way they treated me with respect and courtesy. If I got ill again, I would demand to be sent to that ward again.

I'd like to thank the nurses and doctors in the Stroke Unit of St James Hospital for their wonderful care of my mother.

I had to have surgery on varicose veins and to say I was impressed with the care and treatment I received is an understatement. The doctors, surgeons, nurses and staff in the veins unit are so kind, caring and skilled. I went in for 10.00am for surgery which was performed while I was awake (brilliant) and I was home by 2.00pm. My legs are amazing and have healed brilliantly with no complications. The staff make this such a positive experience and I was so lucky to have had this great attention and care. Thank you all so much.

All of the doctors in oncology-gynaeoncology could work on their bedside manner. I did my own research afterwards and got the information I required to make an informed choice about my care. The staff were patronising with the exception of one gynae oncology nurse. The hospital smelled dirty and the toilets were dirty. And if any of them are interested don't ever tell a woman that she can do without her ovaries. They need to radically change their medical 'patter' and work on their bedside manner.

Cleaning staff very rude and nearly knocked patient down and treat patients like dirt. Security also very rude, patients treated like prisoners by some security staff.

All of the staff on the John Houston ward are exceptional people who work in an extraordinary environment. These men and women treated my father with care that could only be likened to the care a son, daughter, wife would give. Jenny and her team are really brilliant people who work on a ward that is never quiet, with limited resources and very often with an extremely demanding public. Dear Leo hang out on John Houston for a day and give those workers on that ward exactly what they need and watch these men and women on the frontline transform a health service that desperately needs a massive shake up.

My doctor needed to work on his bedside manner.

I was a new referral to an outpatient clinic. My appointment time was 10.45am. I checked in at 10.30am with a very rude, uninterested clerical staff member and was directed where to go, where I met yet another extremely rude clerical staff member who told me to complete a form. They told me to take a seat - there were none available. I asked for a clip board to complete the form and was told to just take a seat, so I used a bin/container to complete the form. I was sent for x-ray then, no explanation as to why and was told upon my return that my appointment would be at least two hours later. I had an appointment for 10.45am and was seen at 3.45pm - what was the delay, why was I/majority of patients given an appointment for the morning? Is there not a policy in place where outpatients are to be seen within a certain time frame, surely five hours is not acceptable. Why didn't a senior member of staff explain to all of the patients about the delay. The system in place in St. James's Hospital is absolutely pathetic. Someone needs to supervise the clinic management, and put some system in place where people are seen within a decent time frame. Is there a National OPD Policy?? If so, this should be adhered to. Have a bit of consideration for the patients, those who have travelled for hours to attend appointments. Those who may have to get back to pick up children from school, but are still sitting waiting five hours to be seen.

I was given a very prompt appointment for lung surgery and the doctor explained the procedure very clearly. The surgery went very well and the nurses who looked after me in the HDU in the Keith Shaw Ward were excellent. I consider myself very fortunate to have been in the hands of my surgery team and to have been placed in this ward to recover. A world class care service.

Utterly useless.

Had top-class treatment by all staff. I am grateful for the care given by all.

Every single staff member introduced themselves except one, and explained their role. I had a really good experience and was treated with kindness, dignity and respect. You guys are a credit to the public healthcare system. Well done.