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"Poor pain management- dismissive post of ward"

About: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / General Surgery Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Theatres and Recovery

(as the patient),

Was admitted for a laparoscopic choestectomy, on arrival into recovery I was very cold and shivery a symptom of the anaesthetic, anyway I ask for a warming blanket which helped greatly, not 5 mins later I had a nurse trying to remove it I asked to keep it which was ok! Pain management post op well I was in a considerable amount of discomfort and asked for some pain killers which where administered. When I asked for some at the later end of my stay in recovery I was met with being ask how I can still be in pain! and that I had a block put in and I’d been given you morphine (8mg) for a lap case (4 port sites) (2hr operating time). The nurse then discarded the last (2mg) of morphine even though I had asked for some more analgesia but that was dismissed and I was moved to the day surgery ward, this type of recovery care is poor does not really echo the ethos that NHS Lothian sets as its values and standards. As someone who cares for people it’s certainly not how I treat my patients and I was not expecting to be treated that way. I think training in bed side maners and pain management skills are needed for some staff. Mabe training staff on escalation for pain related complaints is needed in main recovery. 

on admission to the day surgery ward (obs where carried out - wounds checked and some time to rest. Which was greatly appreciated (pain management in the day surgery ward was great) the staff where very attentive and I felt looked after. On discussion about pain management at home they had prescribed (paracetamol and codine)  I had asked for some stronger pain killers to take home as I was still having a good amount of discomfort but due to personal circumstances it was important for me to get home. I had asked for some oral morphine or something similar. I was then told that it’s not really something they give out to patients to go home with and that I should not need a strong pain killer for a laparoscopic choestectomy procedure. That statement is disgraceful and disgusting and dismissive of the whole operation and my recovery the person who made this statement was part of the medical team. Again I understand they are doctors but did they leave their empathy and understanding at the door on there way into work this morning. I think the overal procedure went and my experience was a 5/10 but attitude, attention and understanding of patients and how things affect them on an individual basis is something that needs to be better delivered. 

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Responses

Response from Kim Newton, Clinical Nurse Manager, General Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian 4 months ago
Kim Newton
Clinical Nurse Manager, General Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh,
NHS Lothian
Submitted on 02/07/2025 at 10:34
Published on Care Opinion at 10:36


Good Morning, I am sorry to read about your experience whilst in our Unit. I will share the positive feedback you have given with the DSU nursing team they will be glad to hear they helped you during this post operative period.

It is possible to formally log your feedback and this can be investigated and responded to by the medical staff via the NHS Lothian, Patient Experience Team if you wish to do so.

I have also asked for further comment from the recovery unit.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.

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Response from Ana Mezzomo, Patient Experience Officer, Patient Experience Team, NHS Lothian 4 months ago
Ana Mezzomo
Patient Experience Officer, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Lothian
Submitted on 02/07/2025 at 12:50
Published on Care Opinion at 12:50


Dear casinggt76,

Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience following your surgical procedure at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. We truly appreciate your feedback, and I am very sorry to hear that some aspects of your care fell short of the standards our services aim to deliver.

As Kim mentioned above, if you would find it helpful for your experience to be formally investigated, please don't hesitate to contact the Patient Experience Team, either by email loth.feedback@nhs.scot or by telephone 0131 536 3370 (Mon-Fri, 9am-2pm) and a member of the team will be more than happy to assist you.

Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery.

Best wishes,

Ana Mezzomo

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