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"Staff attitude on the ward"

About: Ninewells Hospital / Accident & Emergency Ninewells Hospital / Acute Surgical Receiving Unit

(as a relative),

My daughter had been referred Ward 7 Ninewells. She is in her early 20's, this was the second time in a week she had been sent to Ninewells by her GP, firstly to accident and emergency. The staff in accident and emergency were very professional and understanding. 

When she was referred today to ward 7, her sister went with her, she was due pain relief, and when her sister asked a staff member they said in a very cheeky and unprofessional manner they are very busy and will get the meds at some point . Now I realise this is a busy environment but there is no reason to speak to people like this. My daughter got her pain relief half an hour later and she asked the nurse for some anti sickness as she was feeling sick and this usually increases after taking her pain relief. I went into the ward over an hour after that and she still hadn't received her anti sickness. I asked the nurse who said they would get it. She received her medication 90 minutes after asking for it. 

As we were waiting on the doctor coming around with results of blood tests, the staff member was on the phone to a patient who had a scan carried out. When they came off the phone they started telling another patient about the patient on the phone and she couldn't give out the results. I found this very unprofessional and although they didn't name the person who was on the phone, they should never have been speaking to another patient about this phone call.

The time I spent on ward 7 with my daughter this staff member was very unapproachable and unprofessional.  I understand it is a stressful job but the people who are there to be cared for deserve much better, and a better attitude when talking to patients and there families. 

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Responses

Response from Jackie Rodger, Lead Nurse, Surgery and Orthopaedics, NHS Tayside 2 days ago
Jackie Rodger
Lead Nurse, Surgery and Orthopaedics,
NHS Tayside
Submitted on 31/10/2025 at 15:22
Published on Care Opinion at 15:22


Thank you for taking the time to share your daughters experience with us. I wish to sincerely apologise that the care she received was not of the standard that we expect. It is also really disappointing to hear of your description of the nurses attitude which sounds unprofessional and uncaring. I would really like the opportunity to investigate this and discuss with the staff involved so that we can ensure this does not occur again. I would, therefore, be grateful, if you could provide your daughters details to the feedback team by email on Tay.feedback@nhs.scot to allow us to do this. Once again I would like to apologise for your daughters poor experience

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Response from Kirsty Tonge, Consultant Accident and Emergency, Emergency Department, NHS Tayside 2 days ago
Kirsty Tonge
Consultant Accident and Emergency, Emergency Department,
NHS Tayside
Submitted on 31/10/2025 at 15:35
Published on Care Opinion at 15:35


Dear Professional (unhappy)

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your daughter’s recent hospital attendances. I’m sorry to hear that your experience on Ward 7 did not meet your expectations. While I’m unable to comment directly on that part of her care, please know that your concerns are taken seriously and I regret any distress this may have caused.

I’m grateful for your comments about her visit to the Emergency Department. I will ensure your feedback is shared with the team, as it’s important for us to learn from both positive and challenging experiences to improve the care we provide.

Kind regards

Dr Kirsty Tonge- Emergency Medicine Consultant and Clinical Lead

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