I am really worried that this is going to turn into some sort of political rant but I guess i just…read morehave to say what I have to say. Firstly, as a retail outlet (I can't believe I'm saying that) St James', and particularly Gledhow wing, is well over priced. On entering I am reminded of an airport departure lounge and, in common with these, the retailers are aware that they are serving a captive audience and quite obviously have no problem in profiting from peoples misfortune. I'm sure that these shiny new retail units are making lots of money for someone and it's good to know that, somewhere, there are happy people. More worrying was the comment of the assistant in one of these retail units when I commented on the excessive profits. I won't repeat his words but his comment on who profits was clearly racist. As a hospital (yes they still have room for that sort of stuff) I was left feeling saddened and extremely worried. I ha ve been visiting St James' daily for the past three weeks and these are my overall impressions: I have the up-most respect for most of the individuals who provide nursing and support care but, as a qualified nurse, I worried that many staff seem under trained for the role they find themselves in and they are obviously very stressed. It is unacceptable to 'forget' a patients medication, neglect hygiene needs or protect patients from harm. Staffing levels are low and patient care suffers because of this. Recently I spent a night on the assessment ward where there were several patients in the corridor due to lack of space some of whom had been waiting 12 hours for a bed (and some of these patients were planned admissions, asked to come in because a bed was ready for them). Don't even get me started on the cost of parking........

After my recent stay in hospital.. I just want to say how amazing your staff are, from the cleaners…read moreall the way up the to the doctors. You did everything you could to help our situation and I just want to thankyou for that. So anyone who's worried about going to hospital don't you're in good hands I promise x

I have been to this hospital a couple of times, due to generally being very clumsy and giving…read moremyself one or two knocks. When I had to go for an x-ray after a spectacularly clumsy moment involving my practically tripping over myself, the radiologist who saw to me was an absolute star. I was in a fair bit of pain and she was really gentle and reassuring, helping to tie the gown at my back and escorting me into the x-ray department. It can be a little daunting with all the huge expensive looking machines looming over you so I was very glad to have the presence of a lovely radiographer. The hospital in general is thankful very clean and the staff is always happy to help. My only issue is the car parking tat is extremely expensive but I know this has nothing to do with the hospital itself.

Brilliant little hospital within a short bus ride from the town centre. Highly recommend the…read morerheumatology and the dermatology depts. All staff are helpful and extremely friendly, the coffee shop is a good stop with lovely food, however, if necessary you can go up to the 2nd floor restaurant where you can get a range of proper tasty meals.

The Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) is a huge, sprawling hospital in the centre of Leeds and you'd be…read morewell advised to research exactly where in the hospital your appointment is before you arrive. It can easily end up being a long walk across town to find the right ward if you get it wrong. In spite of its large and sprawling nature the hospital is efficient. Waiting times are short and staff are attentive. Obviously, no one ever really wants to g to a hospital but if you do have to go to one you'd rather go to a nice, efficient one and "nice and efficient" describes the LGI well. As hospitals go it's not an awful place to be either. The wards and general areas are decorated nicely and there's art here and there. There's a Costa Coffee within the hospital as well as a gift shop and a roof top garden. The first version of the hospital was opened in 1771 by graduates of the University of Edinburgh Medical School but the current version opened in 1869 and has gone through several refurbishments, upgrades and expansions since. Much of the layout plans of the hospital were based on recommendations by Florence Nightingale. So, I would absolutely avoid ever coming here but only because it's a hospital and I would absolutely avoid ever going to any of them. If you have to be in a hospital the LGI is just fine. Besides, I was born here, so it gets extra points for that.

Get your appointment location wrong and you may be lost forever! Honestly, there are times when…read moreI've been sorely tempted to catch a bus to another part of the hospital. As with many large hospitals in big cities LGI has been remodelled and added to over the years with the result that there are carbuncles on the structure that even their best surgeon couldn't remove and lots of unexpected and seemingly pointless changes of level in order to get to your destination. Travelling through LGI is a real exercise in 4 dimensional travel. There are always going to be stories of horror, joy and grief in any hospital but my personal experience has been of rather inept management and administration coupled with caring, dedicated staff (in most areas) who do the best they can with more and more limited funding. It remains a personal bugbear that hospitals such as LGI now resemble shopping malls in places (with the exception of affordable, accessible parking). Oh for the days when you could grab reasonable refreshment from a basic but clean cafeteria run by volunteers.

After an accident fracturing my knee I was sent here for some physiotherapy to get me working as…read moregood as new after the bones had healed. This hospital seems very fancy if you're used to the NHS espcially compared with the LGI around the corner. It is a tall glass building tucked away on the edge of the centre of town. The facilities in the physio department were top quality and I got more than enough attention. I imagine all of the other departments are just as good as this one as it is privately funded.

The NHS is great if a little slow for those who can afford it and need to return to work as quick…read moreas possible Private is a good option to have. From the start the staff were brilliant, very friendly and helpful. From deciding a operation was required to having the op it took eight days which is great if like me the less time you have to mull over it the better. The rooms are large with personal bathrooms and a TV, in all honesty Ive stayed in smaller hotel rooms. The facilities as you would expect are excellent. I would recommend this hospital to anyone

Spire is a private hospital, specialising in cosmetic surgery, although I'm going there because…read moreI've knackered my knee. The consultant is very professional, friendly and courteous, and so far I've been very impressed with the whole experience, from the free car park (get in), to the cups and saucers in the (carpeted) waiting room, to the fact that everything runs smoothly and to schedule. No massive waits, everyone's cheery. I've got to go back for an MRI scan and a follow up appointment so will update accordingly! Go Spires!