This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

I cannot find out what my wife is being treated for

Posted By seebee

"I cannot find out what my wife is being treated for"

About: University Hospital Of North Tees

(as a relative),

My wife is currently on a ward in North Tees University Hospital. She is now in a worse condition than she was upon admission.

Because it is Christmas/New Year staffing is at a minimum. There is rarely a doctor on the ward during visiting hours. On New Years Eve, there was only one doctor covering four wards. I asked to speak to them but I was refused.

I cannot find out what is wrong with my wife or what she is being treated for. This is a totally frustrating and highly unsatisfactory situation. I feel so sorry for my poor wife but I feel so helpless. What can I do?

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from University Hospital Of North Tees 6 years ago
University Hospital Of North Tees

Submitted on 03/01/2018 at 11:29
Published on nhs.uk at 12:38

Thank you for contacting NHS Choices.

If you wife is currently on the ward you can ask to speak with the Ward Matron.

You can also contact the Patient Experience Team on 01642 624719 or email patientexperience@nth.nhs.uk.

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

Update posted by seebee (a relative)

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, the ward is so understaffed, or staffed with temporary staff, that it is difficult to find anyone in authority who has the time to speak to me. Today, 7 days after my wife was admitted, I finally got to see a doctor who gave me my wife's diagnosis.

Staff shortages, particularly doctors, is the main problem. Over Christmas/New Year there was one doctor responsible for 4 wards. This is unfair on the doctor and potentially life-threatening for the patients.

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k