"I would expect that a more modern environment"

I was recently admitted to the CCU. All of the staff from the gentleman who checked me in at A&E ,the nurses and doctors at A&E, the porters who moved me about , the staff nurses and doctors at CCU, the nurses doctors and staff who performed an angiogram, the staff and radiologist who preformed a heart scan were proficient, courteous and professional. If there is a problem within the NHS that does not in my opinion lie with the front line staff who frankly were outstanding. We are lucky to have such dedicated people looking after us!

What was disappointing was the fabric of Ninewells Hospital itself. Once the jewel in the crown within Tayside it has sadly deteriorated over time and is no longer at a modern day standard. There were no patient toilets and showers available at CCU. I was fortunate enough to be mobile and was allowed to use the staff changing facilities. These facilities were an eye opener! They appeared to have been untouched since the 1970's when Ninewells was built. The staff change in cramped accommodation with one shower and one toilet in the male changing area which serves a number of units and not just CCU. The lockers were tiny and ancient. It can hardly be inspiring for staff to have to use such facilities and it must in my view make some feel quite undervalued .

I visited another hospital last year for bypass surgery, and the facilities were modern and up to date. I appreciate that money is always tight but if Ninewells Hospital is to retain its stellar reputation then investment in the infrastructure appears critical for efficiency and staff morale. 

I appreciate that the staff are under pressure and that there are staff shortages throughout the hospital. The whole operation seems to work on the goodwill of staff who in the main do not clock watch and take up the strain as necessary. I would expect that a more modern environment making a more attractive work experience might help the recruitment process. If staff felt valued and were provided with appropriate changing facilities and regularly updated medical facilities then surely that might assist?