What I liked
I was treated following a miscarriage. I found the 24 hour access to Ward 40 beneficial and while an inpatient I felt that the staff were empathetic and supportive
What could be improved
When seen in EPAC I felt as if I what i was going through was routine - no consideration was given by the staff that I might be upset and need some sensitivity. My EPAC experience improved following a complaint to the directorate manager - but patient shouldn't have to complain to receive a better service. i was given little information about what to expect including what warning signs would necessitate ringing the 24 hour access number, meaning I was left bleeding at home unprepared for the extent of blood loss, and no advice about how much pain to expect and how to manage it. At the point of diagnosis, I was given no choice over my treatment plan despite explicitly asking for choice, and when choice was eventually offered at a further appointment followinng it was far too late. Worst of all there was no consideration for my individual circumstances. I was placed in the termination of pregnancy clinic for medical management which greatly added to my distress. Newcastle Hospitals claim to treat everyone as individuals and treat patients undergoing miscarriage with sensitivity, but they do not discuss individuals and any sensitivity in terms of bed allocation must have been done entirely on the basis of assumption on the part of the staff. It is disgraceful to place patients going through such a traumatic experience in the same environment as people undergoing terminations of pregnancy (with just curtains seperating the bays) without explicit discussion and agreement from the patient.
"More detrimental than beneficial to my wellbeing,..."
About: The Royal Victoria Infirmary The Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4LP
Posted via nhs.uk
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