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Bed shortages

Posted By eaglerp58

"Bed shortages"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Acute Receiving Unit (Units 1-5) Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Cardiology (Heart Conditions) Wards 6c & 6d Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Gastroenterology (Stomach and gut problems) Wards 8b, 8c &8d Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Initial Assessment Unit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Medical Day Unit Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Rheumatology ( Wards 6a & 6b)

(as the patient),

I was admitted to the QEUH because of severe back pain and shortness of breath. Usual triage tests were done and blood clot on lungs was suspected. Was admitted to receiving unit. Was given CT scan which showed T7 fracture on my back. Was prescribed morphine MST15 and oramorph for the pain.

After two days I was transferred to medical day unit. I was told no beds available in any wards.This unit has no shower facilities and only 2 toilets, only one which had emergency cord. This is a mixed gender unit with only a curtain for privacy. On discharge day I had to wait until 6:30 pm until I received medication to take home. 

I was admitted again to IAU again due to shortness of breath. Chest x-ray done and fluid in lung suspected. Was in IAU for two days and told I would be transferred to Ward 6D. I was taken up to ward 6D, where I was taken to dayroom, where I sat on my own. Whilst there was told I would be going to ward 6B. At 10pm I was taken to ward 8B. No beds in 6D/6B.

Further x-rays taken and I was then told I would get an ultrasound on my heart. Medication given to treat fluid and urine output monitored. I was then told I would not be getting ultrasound but to get another chest x-ray. Waited until 3pm when met doctor in corridor. Asked them about x-ray and was told cardiology had said it wasn't necessary and I could go home. They then said I would have an ultrasound as an outpatient. 

As a woman in her late 70s, I found both these experiences very stressful and upsetting. On both these occasions I was not admitted to the ward where I was supposed to be.

It all seems to stem round bed shortages and that is just not satisfactory. 

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Responses

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2 months ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 28/07/2025 at 12:16
Published on Care Opinion at 12:16

picture of Nicole McInally

Dear eaglerp58

Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experiences at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. I’m very sorry to hear how difficult and unsettling both of your admissions were. Being moved between different areas, not knowing what to expect, and feeling unsure about your care plan can be incredibly stressful. It’s clear that this was a challenging time for you, and I want to acknowledge how upsetting it must have been to go through this while feeling unwell.

Please be assured that this is not the experience we want for our patients. We are facing significant demands on our services which has led to challenges in maintaining bed availability. We recognise the impact this has on patients and families, and we are actively working to address these issues.

If you would like a more detailed response, can you please contact our Complaints Team @ ggc.complaints@nhs.scot. (It would be helpful if you could include the link to your Care Opinion story: https://www.careopinion.org.uk/1379297)

I hope that you are feeling better.

Kind Regards

Nicole

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