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Discussion of patients

Posted By Foreshore

"Discussion of patients"

About: Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) / Trauma and orthopaedics

(as a service user),

As a recent patient of Durbin ward RD&E hospital I could overhear a staff member on shift talking rather unkindly about a patient in a side room. What they seemed to have forgotten is that patients can hear, are human and feel vulnerable when they have been admitted to hospital. I thought there was a code of care they followed, but they were sharing their opinions on patients hospital stays.

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Responses

Response from Anca Barnes, Clinical Matron - Trauma and Orthopaedics (Eastern Services), Surgical Division (Eastern Services), Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust last month
Anca Barnes
Clinical Matron - Trauma and Orthopaedics (Eastern Services), Surgical Division (Eastern Services),
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 18/09/2025 at 08:29
Published on Care Opinion at 09:07

Dear Foreshore,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your concerns regarding your recent experience on Durbin Ward at RD&E Hospital. We greatly value all feedback from our patients, as it helps us continually improve the care and environment we provide.

We are very sorry to hear that you overheard a staff member speaking unkindly about a patient. Please accept our sincerest apologies. We fully appreciate how important it is for all patients to feel respected, safe, and valued while in hospital. The behaviour you described does not reflect the standards of compassion and professionalism we expect from our team.

Please be assured that we are taking this matter seriously. We will be reminding all staff about the importance of maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality at all times. We will also review our training and support to ensure that everyone understands the impact their words and actions can have on patients’ wellbeing.

Thank you once again for bringing this to our attention. Your feedback is vital in helping us uphold the highest standards of care and respect. We hope that the rest of your stay was positive and that you are recovering well.

If you would like to discuss this further or have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us directly via Durbin ward 01392 403691 or Patient experience liaison team on

PALS (ROYAL DEVON UNIVERSITY HEALTHCARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST) <rduh.pals@nhs.net>

Best wishes,

Anca Barnes

Clinical Matron Trauma and Orthopaedics

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