"The waiting process was uncomfortable and very insensitive"

About: Antrim Area Hospital / Surgical Elective Unit

(as the patient),

Obviously a little nervous, I found my way to the SEU. Unfortunately, once again the lack of signage was very evident.

The staff were very professional and attentive but I was not first on the list so quite a wait in the corridor until called through for preparation and tests. Again the staff were pleasant, professional and friendly. However, another fairly long wait (naked under a surgical gown and housecoat) followed sitting on a hot plastic chair. Where with shuffling around and the inevitable sweating with my man parts directly on that chair. Not too hygienic I would suggest 😂

The waiting process was uncomfortable and very insensitive and I would encourage more thought for the patients' comfort.

The surgery and post surgery care was exceptional and the staff again cannot be praised enough.

Overall I have been impressed by my care and and very thankful to those who attended me.

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Responses

Response from Blaithnid Hughes, General Manager, Surgery, NHSCT 10 months ago
Blaithnid Hughes
General Manager, Surgery,
NHSCT
Submitted on 04/01/2024 at 11:50
Published on Care Opinion at 11:50


Dear Safaridaktari

I am Blaithnid Hughes; the General Manager for this service.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and feedback with us.

I am pleased to share that I regularly receive extremely positive feedback on how exceptional the staff in the SEU are and I see it with my own eyes day and daily. The care they provide, in such a small and busy space is remarkable. I am so pleased that you felt your care was of the highest standard.

I wholly agree with you regarding the physical environment wherein our patients are expected to await their surgery; it is without dignity and privacy, with uncomfortable seating on a busy thoroughfare. It is not of the standard that we aspire to. I continue to advocate for my patients that this area is unsuitable and am currently engaged in discussions about an alternative area that may potentially become available soon. Unfortunately Antrim Hospital has somewhat outgrown itself and we are required, at present, to do the best with what we have - but we continue to innovate and explore every opportunity for expansion and more physical space. Please be assured that your feedback is helpful in this regard.

I wish you well in your recovery; take care

Blaithnid Hughes

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Response from Pallavi Rane, Ward Manager, Surgical Elective Unit, NHSCT 10 months ago
Pallavi Rane
Ward Manager, Surgical Elective Unit,
NHSCT
Submitted on 05/01/2024 at 12:32
Published on Care Opinion at 12:41


Dear Safaridaktari,

I am Pallavi Rane, ward manager Elective Surgical Unit.

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback for the team regarding your experience.

I am extremely grateful to hear that staff were pleasant, professional and attentive. I am absolutely agree that that the waiting area in SEU is not very comfortable and we are working towards alternative area for the elective surgical patients. Also waiting time could be unpredictable as this could be depend on the procedure taken time prior to your procedure.

I hope you are keeping well and all the best for your recovery after surgery.

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