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I felt unsafe, unheard and neglected

Posted By Datajunkie

"I felt unsafe, unheard and neglected"

About: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - Queen's Medical Centre Campus / General medicine

(as the patient),

After spinal trauma (bursting vertebrae in my back) I was transferred from the fantastic post surgery ward D9 to Ward D8 where I was warned that I would get little rest due to noise and drama.  The staff seemed to hate working on this ward.  

Patients with psychological issues were assigned 1:1 care but monopolised additional staff demanding to be taken off ward for cigarettes etc. Because staff were stretched, I was often late with pain meds and went 7 hours at one point with no pain relief at all. My daughter refused to leave the ward until this had been rectified but still took 3 hours to put right.  

I was assaulted by another patient trying to rip the catheter out of my bladder with staff turning a deaf ear to my shrieks of pain until other patients intervened.  Being immobile, I felt unsafe, unheard and neglected.

So much staff talent but, I felt, so poorly allocated to the most disruptive and abusive patients at the expense of those who just wanted basic care, sleep, hygiene, food and meds in safety.  

I was frequently offered my blood pressure meds when it was already well under 100 and I was allowed to go 7 days without a poop before having an enema.

 Last drama was a confused patient demanding to know what I was doing in their front room and would I leave immediately.  

It is likely that more work will be needed to fix more of my spine and I am utterly terrified - not of the surgery but the post op recovery if I, God Forbid, end up on D8 again.

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Responses

Response from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust 9 months ago
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Submitted on 02/08/2024 at 12:36
Published on Care Opinion at 12:37

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your stay on Ward D8 following spinal surgery. We understand that transition from a small post-operative care unit to a larger acute inpatient ward comes with challenges and are sorry to learn of your concerns in relation to this.

We acknowledge the clinically related challenging behaviour of some patients can significantly impact the wards atmosphere, and acknowledge that you had been informed of potential disturbances prior to your transfer. While it is essential to provide 1:1 care for patients with enhanced needs, this should not result in delays to you obtaining timely medication and we are grateful to your relative for advocating on your behalf.

Your accounts of interactions with a confused patient and feeling unheard by staff members is deeply concerning. No patient should ever feel unsafe or neglected, especially when immobile and vulnerable. Ensuring patient safety is our top priority and we will thoroughly investigate this matter to prevent and mitigate occurrences in the future.

We understand your anxiety about potential future admissions to ward D8. Please note that your feedback is invaluable in helping us make necessary improvements. We would welcome further contact to understand your experiences further and to ensure appropriate learning and improvement. If you would like to discuss your experience further please contact the Patient Experience Team by email to nuhnt.QMCPET@nhs.net.

With kind regards

Samuel Bennett, Matron

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