Text size

Theme

Language

"Their dedication had a lasting impact on my experience"

About: Chesterfield Royal Hospital / Accident and emergency

(as a service user),

I am writing to share my recent experience in your A&E department following a car accident in which I sustained head and neck injuries. I was advised by the paramedic at the scene to seek immediate medical attention at A&E. However, my visit raised several concerns about the quality of care, patient safety, and adherence to proper procedures, which I believe should be urgently addressed.

Upon arrival, I was triaged, but the process left me feeling extremely dissatisfied. The assessment was brief and lacked the thoroughness I expected given the nature of my injuries. Despite clearly stating that I had sustained head and neck trauma, I was not physically examined, and the triage nurse seemed to be rushing through the process. This approach made me feel as though my condition was not being taken seriously. I noticed that a student nurse who accompanied the lead nurse attempted to ask additional questions regarding my condition, but they were quickly dismissed, which further contributed to my anxiety about whether my injuries were being properly assessed.

Following the triage, I was left waiting in the A&E department for five hours without being offered any pain relief. The delay in receiving care was distressing and only added to my discomfort and worry, especially given that head and neck injuries can be serious and require prompt attention.

During my time in the waiting area, I observed several hygiene and safety issues that I found concerning. For instance, the nurse who took my blood pressure did not sanitize the cuff between patients, which poses a significant risk of cross-contamination.

Additionally, patient information, including names, dates of birth, and medical results, was being written down on a piece of paper which was visible to many in the waiting area at times this paperwork was placed on chairs, making it even more visible to on lookers .This practice not only compromises patient confidentiality but I believe it is also a clear breach of GDPR regulations.

Furthermore, I noticed that the nurse did not use hand sanitizer after dealing with two patients who were vomiting. One of these patients, who was visibly unwell and had vomit on himself, was given three bowls for his vomit and directed to dispose of them on nearby chairs. Despite the severity of his condition, the patient received no assistance or engagement from the nursing staff, which I found deeply troubling. Vomit was not cleaned up for over an hour and a half.

Eventually, I was seen by a healthcare assistant named Leanne, who immediately recognized the seriousness of my condition. She promptly sought the assistance of Dr. Hellman from the majors department. Both Leanne and Dr. Hellman were professional, compassionate, and dedicated. They apologized for the delays and lack of proper triage, explaining that I should have been prioritized due to the potential severity of my head injury. Thanks to their swift action, I finally received the care I needed.

I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for the care I received during my recent visit to the Majors department, where I was seen by Dr. Hellimen.

After a car accident, I arrived at A&E feeling frightened and in shock. Despite the hectic environment, Dr. Hellimen was exceptionally polite, taking the time to introduce himself and clearly explain every step of my treatment in a reassuring manner.

He listened carefully to my concerns, thoroughly examined me, and addressed even my minor worries with great care. Dr. Hellimen also consulted with other specialists, making sure I understood the reasons behind each decision, which greatly put me at ease.

I left the hospital feeling confident in the care I received and reassured by the aftercare plan Dr. Hellimen recommended. His kindness and attention to detail were truly appreciated, and I am incredibly grateful for his support during a very difficult time.

My GP also commented on the thoroughness of his report.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for the care I received from healthcare assistant Leanne during my recent visit to A&E. Leanne’s professionalism and compassion were evident from the start. She introduced herself properly, clearly explaining what she could do within her role, and managed my expectations with honesty and clarity.

Leanne thoroughly examined me to the best of her abilities, ensuring I was as comfortable as possible. She carefully assessed my condition without overstepping her responsibilities, which gave me confidence in the care I was receiving. Her attention to detail and commitment to my well-being played a crucial role in making sure I was eventually seen by the appropriate medical professionals.

Leanne’s clear communication and empathetic approach made a significant difference in my experience. She was the reason I received the necessary attention and proper care during my time in A&E, for which I am incredibly grateful.

Leanne’s dedication and courage had a lasting impact on my experience, and I believe she is a valuable asset to your team. Her actions ensured that I felt truly cared for, and I cannot thank her enough.

In summary, while I am grateful for the eventual care provided by Leanne and Dr. Hellman, my overall experience at A&E was deeply concerning. In my opinion, the initial triage process, inadequate hygiene practices, and mishandling of patient information are serious issues that need immediate attention. I hope my feedback will lead to improvements in these areas to ensure better patient care in the future

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Stacie Russon, Surgical Division, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust 10 months ago
Stacie Russon
Surgical Division,
Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 20/08/2024 at 08:39
Published on Care Opinion at 08:39


Hello mayrw33

I am sorry for your poor experience in the ED department

I can improve on the cleaning of the blood pressure cuff, do further assessments of hand hygiene, along with stop the writing down of patient names on pieces of paper following your experience.

I am glad that the two staff members you mention made such a positive impression and will pass this positive feedback on to them.

In order for me to investigate any further I would need more specific information which if you are willing to do so could be done via our Patient Advise and Liaison Service (PALS), they can be emailed on crhft.patientexperience@nhs.net or phoned on 01246 512640

Many thanks

Stacie

Stacie Russon

Senior Matron

Emergency Department

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k