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To not receive pain relief is just awful

Posted By nursekf

"To not receive pain relief is just awful"

About: Victoria Hospital / Admissions Unit 1 (Emergency Medical)

(as a relative),

My Grandma had a short stay in admissions 1 following a fall at home resulting in a fractured pelvis. She has since been transferred to another hospital for rehab prior to returning home.

The majority of the staff on this ward were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. 

However, I have one concern that appears to be a theme regarding this ward.

As a nurse myself, I fully understand the pressures faced by staff in the NHS. This being said, basic care and pain management should be met for all, regardless of staffing. I was really angry to learn that my Grandma had not been given pain relief for 16hrs despite having a fracture. When I asked the nurse regarding her pain relief and what she was prescribed, I was told ‘she didn’t ask for it’.

On checking her kardex, she was written up for regular pain relief but had not received it. 

This to me was unacceptable.

The first time she asked to be assisted to the bathroom, she was asked if she could get up to use a commode. For someone who had received no pain relief, had a fractured pelvis and had not been assessed by a physio was also a concern.

I fully understand that being short staffed does impact on care but to not receive pain relief is just awful. 

I hope the feedback that is given does lead to change so that another individual does not have to go through the same experience that my Grandma did. 

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Responses

Response from Siobhan Mcilroy, Head Patient Experience, Corporate Services, NHS Fife 7 months ago
Siobhan Mcilroy
Head Patient Experience, Corporate Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 10/12/2024 at 16:21
Published on Care Opinion at 16:21

picture of Siobhan Mcilroy

Dear nursekf

My name is Siobhan McIlroy and I am the Head of Patient Experience for NHS Fife. Sorry for the delay in you receiving a response.

Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed feedback about your Grandma's experience in Admissions 1. I am pleased to hear that the majority of the staff were fantastic and supportive during her stay, but I sincerely apologise for the concerns you raised regarding her pain management and care.

I understand how distressing it must have been to learn that she was not given her prescribed pain relief for an extended period. Pain management is a fundamental aspect of patient care, especially for someone with a serious injury, and it is unacceptable that she did not receive the attention she needed.

Your observations about the assistance she received when needing to use the bathroom are also concerning. I acknowledge the pressures our staff face, but every patient deserves to have their needs met, especially in such vulnerable situations.

Please know that your feedback is invaluable and will be shared with the relevant teams to address these issues. NHS Fife are committed to improving our services and ensuring that all patients receive the appropriate care and support they need.

If you wish to discuss your concerns further please contact me at fife.careopinionfife@nhs.scot. Please put "To not receive pain relief is just awful" in the subject heading.

Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, and I hope for a smoother recovery for your Grandma in her rehabilitation. Best wishes, Siobhan

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Response from Theresa Rodigan, Senior Administrator, Patient Experience Team, NHS Fife 6 months ago
Theresa Rodigan
Senior Administrator, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 24/12/2024 at 12:09
Published on Care Opinion at 12:09

picture of Theresa Rodigan

Posted on behalf of Christina Fleming, Admissions Unit One

Dear nursekf

Thank you for sharing your experience on care opinion. My name is Christina Fleming, I am acting Senior Charge Nurse in Admissions Unit One.

I am pleased to hear that the majority of your experience while in AU1 was positive. I am sorry to hear your grandmother was left without pain relief for a prolonged period of time. We recognise the importance of providing adequate pain relief in a timely manner to optimise patient comfort and care.


Admissions Unit One experiences a high turn over of patients however we would always strive to deliver patient centred care, I apologise if we have fallen short on this occasion.
If you would like me to look into this further for you then you can contact me on 01592 643355 ext. 22377.

Kind regards

Christina

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