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Accident and Emergency and outpatient follow up.

Posted By Singer68

"Accident and Emergency and outpatient follow up."

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Emergency department Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Radiology Outpatients Department / Oral Maxillo Facial Surgery Department (OMFS)

(as a service user),

I had been referred to A and E at Altnagelvin Hospital in Northern Ireland for bilateral swelling of my neck. I was unwell that day and A and E was busy as is normal. 

There were a number of people there, some with bags of food, some waiting quietly to be seen, some laughing and joking with others. A gentleman beside me was on the telephone telling whoever it was that it was like a 3rd world country being seen in corridors. 

I was in A and E for approximately 8 hours. I was just happy that someone was going to examine  me and give me answers. 

All the staff in A and E were working as hard as they could. Even the cleaner was doing a magnificent job keeping the toilets and place as clean as possible. I dropped a bottle of water over the floor as I dozed off waiting to be seen. A physio appeared from in the main A and E and took time to clean the spillage and put wet floor sign down. 

Medical staff were very thorough in their examination in A and E and radiology took great care with my face and neck in x-ray. 

I was seen by a Dr Richmond from Max Fax who was very courteous, professional and although was obviously extremely busy ( telephone calls) was able to put my mind at ease and organised onward referrals for ultrasounds and outpatient clinic with the Consultant. 

I know that health care in the Trust has had some bad press recently but I have to say that I know the system is under pressure but I still felt cared for and looked after in the busy environment of A and E.

Follow up in OP department was just as impressive from the staff who greeted me at clinic, to Dr Ketabachis team who looked after me so well. 

Yes there may be issues in the provision of healthcare at present but I was glad it was available to me the time I was unwell and was looked after so well.

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Responses

Response from Joanne McFeely, Clinical Specialist, Radiology Department Altnagelvin Hosspital, WHSCT 2 weeks ago
Joanne McFeely
Clinical Specialist, Radiology Department Altnagelvin Hosspital,
WHSCT

Submitted on 30/04/2024 at 18:15
Published on Care Opinion at 18:15

Hi Singer68

Thank you for taking the time to post such positive comments about your recent experiences in Altnagelvin and Radiology.

Ideally we would not want our patients having to wait for extended periods to be examined and treated. I appreciate that during this time you witnessed the hard work and dedication of a multi-disciplinary team always putting the patient front and centre of everything they do.

I was pleased to read that the care you received during your initial and follow up appointments was considered professional. I will of course pass your kind words onto our Radiology team at our next staff meeting.

I wish you well for the future

Regards

Joanne McFeely

Assistant Radiology Service Manager

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Response from Ciara Strain, Senior Dental Nurse O.M.F.S Outpatients Department/ Clinic 7 Altnagelvin, Women& Children, WHSCT 2 weeks ago
Ciara Strain
Senior Dental Nurse O.M.F.S Outpatients Department/ Clinic 7 Altnagelvin, Women& Children,
WHSCT

Submitted on 01/05/2024 at 10:09
Published on Care Opinion at 10:09

Hi

Firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to post your comments regarding the OMFS team.

Our DCTS and Mr Ketabchi will appreciate the positive feedback as it can get extremely busy, patient care is always our priority and I am glad you felt that.

It is encouraging to hear you felt at ease and cared for and we will thrive to ensure we work to these high standards of care in the future also.

Your comments will contribute to high staff morale and encouragement moving forward in all our roles.

I will pass your comments on to all the team.

Thanks again

Ciara Strain

SDN OMFS

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Response from Colleen Hamilton, Service Manager for Unscheduled Care, Emergency Department / AMU /ACU Altnagelvin Hospital, WHSCT last week
Colleen Hamilton
Service Manager for Unscheduled Care, Emergency Department / AMU /ACU Altnagelvin Hospital,
WHSCT

management duties

Submitted on 07/05/2024 at 18:52
Published on Care Opinion at 18:52

picture of Colleen Hamilton

Dear Singer68

Thank you for taking to the time to give us your feedback. Like my colleagues have mentioned it is not what we like for our patients to wait lengthy periods of time for assessment and treatment. Our team work as safely and as quickly as possible to provide appropriate care and treatment.

Thank you for your kind words about our staff and I will share with our support service team who work tirelessly to keep our environment clean and tidy.

I hope you are now recovering well.

Many thanks

Colleen Hamilton

Service Manager for Unscheduled Care.

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