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Put up a secure door and a restricted access system

Posted By tukwgae49

"Put up a secure door and a restricted access system"

About: University Hospital Wishaw / Short Stay Unit

(as a relative),

My family member is currently in Wishaw General Hospital, on the new short-stay surgical ward located in the basement. This new ward is directly next to Wards 1, 2, and 3, which are mental health wards.

Patients from the mental health wards have been wandering into the corridors near the short-stay surgical area. They are shouting, screaming and at times it has felt quite disruptive and unsettling, especially when you see the security chasing after these patients. My family member is unwell and resting and can see through the window directly into the mental health ward, which is adding to their discomfort.

I believe they should put up a secure door and a restricted access system, such as a fob, to prevent the mental health ward patients entering the surgical short-stay area.

I know others who have raised similar concerns about this ward.

I want to stress that the nurses have been absolutely wonderful in the short surgical stay ward. They have taken excellent care of my family member, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they have done. My concern is not with the staff, but with the layout and security of this area, and the impact this environment may be having on patients.

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Responses

Response from Kim Brown, Senior Nurse for Surgical & Critical Care Services, University Hospital Wishaw, NHS Lanarkshire last week
Kim Brown
Senior Nurse for Surgical & Critical Care Services, University Hospital Wishaw,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 11/11/2025 at 20:03
Published on Care Opinion at 20:03

picture of Kim Brown

Dear tukwgae49

Thank you for taking the time to feedback to us. Firstly, thank you for the kind feedback about the care received by our team in the Short Stay ward. They strive to deliver the best possible care for patients and support for families. I will be sure to let them know of your kind words.

We strive to ensure all patients, relatives and staff feel safe within all areas of our hospital. I am sorry there have been instances when this has not been the case. The Short Stay ward does benefit from being in a quieter area of the hospital which a lot of patient and relative do find beneficial however this should not result in anyone feeling less safe.

We do have a secure entry to the ward that can only be accessed by swipe access or from the nurses station intercom. I will make sure the team are aware of your feedback if there have been instances whereby there has been any unauthorised entry. Please accept my apologies for any distress this may have caused.

Should you wish to discuss this any further, please do not hesitate in contact us via our Patient Affairs Department.

Kind regards

Kim Brown

Senior Nurse

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by tukwgae49 (a relative)

Thanks for the reply.

I know there is a secure door to get into ward, but anyone from ward 1, 2 or 3 can press the buzzer and get into the short stay ward.

When I say there should be a secure door, I mean a door in the corridor so ward 1, 2 or 3 patients can’t walk up that way. If they want to go for cigarettes and shop etc, they could walk outdoors.

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