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"A negative experience"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Clinical haematology

(as a service user),

I attended a haematology appointment at ARI Aberdeen this morning. At 11:30 I commenced the transfusion treatment, routine temperature recordings during first bag of blood were increased.  It is very important to accurately record temperature as this may show a reaction to the transfusion but the temperature of the unit was extremely uncomfortable -other patients also complained of the heat.

During the 2nd bag of blood my temperature remained high, I asked if the windows could be opened and was told this was not possible.

I asked to speak to someone to complain about this and the Charge nurse came and explained that the windows could not be opened due to problems of dust from outside which was believed to be dangerous for patients.

The staff were also feeling the effects of the heat in the unit.

When talking to the charge nurse I asked for the transfusion to be stopped before completion as I could not tolerate the heat which made me feel faint and uneasy. I was advised against this but I insisted. I was disconnected from the transfusion as the staff understood how I was feeling. This has been a very negative experience which I could do without.

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Responses

Response from Caty Smith, Nurse Manager, Surgical 1, NHS Grampian nearly 2 years ago
Caty Smith
Nurse Manager, Surgical 1,
NHS Grampian
Submitted on 02/06/2023 at 09:27
Published on Care Opinion at 09:27


Dear Keeper of Cows

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience while attending for treatment within our unit. I am very sorry the temperature within the building was intolerable for you resulting in the decision to stop your treatment. The temperature within the area you were attending and other areas within the hospital has and continues to be escalated as a risk for patients and staff within the hospital. Estates colleagues are supporting the unit with review of the air-conditioning and heating systems and temperature probes have been provided for monitoring since your visit this week.

Our Chief Nurse has been informed of your experience and has requested an information update from Infection Prevention and Control regarding the opening of the windows within the unit which will be shared with the Senior Charge Nurse as soon as available to us.

I hope with any further appointments to the unit you will be more comfortable.

If you would like to contact me to discuss further please contact me either via email or telephone. catriona.smith2@nhs.scot 01224 559425

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