"Bad experience"

Formal Review of Inpatient Experience – Ward 17, Queen Elizabeth Hospital

I was admitted to Ward 17 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a two-week inpatient stay. While some nursing staff demonstrated warmth in their interactions, the overall experience was significantly compromised by the ward's troubling cultural norms and lack of professional standards.

Across all shifts, without exception, there was a persistent atmosphere of noise and disruption. The nurses’ station—located within earshot of patient cubicles—was a constant source of loud, non-essential chatter. Unfortunately, this behaviour extended to the in-room ward station, where conversations between staff were conducted in insensitive tones, with complete disregard for patients attempting to rest and recover.

The culture of the ward more closely resembled a social gathering than a clinical care setting. There was a noticeable lack of awareness or concern about the impact of noise and casual behaviour on patients' wellbeing. Particularly distressing was the frequent breach of patient confidentiality: sensitive information was discussed audibly within earshot of others, exposing private details without any attempt at discretion.

This is not an issue of isolated staff members, but rather a systemic problem reflective of the ward's culture. Such an environment is not only inappropriate for a healthcare setting but actively undermines the principles of respectful, patient-centred care.

There is an urgent need for comprehensive training and cultural reform on Ward 17. Key areas should include confidentiality, professional communication, and awareness of the healing environment. Patients deserve to be treated with dignity and allowed to rest in a setting conducive to recovery.

I offer this feedback with the hope that it will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly. The potential for high-quality care is present, but it cannot be realised without a fundamental shift in ward culture and standards of conduct.