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"9 year old, head injury, concussion"

About: Derriford Hospital / Accident and emergency

(as a parent/guardian),

I brought in my son to A&E department after accident in school. He couldn't walk, couldn't speak, couldn't even open his eyes, been very lethargic and had very strong nausea. First of all reception staff didn't ask any details of accident , just head injury. Secondly, staff in children's A&E area didn't offer even bowl for vomiting until I actually asked for it. Thirdly, staff seeing him in so poor condition didn't ask if he needs to lay down. They just stood by their desk and discussed "poor child". And finally waiting time is absolutely not acceptable - 3 hours. I appreciate that this department is extremely busy, but in my personal experience waiting time now is much more longer than 2 years ago. 

In my opinion children's area is absolutely not child friendly never mind they have toys and books and TV there. Poorly children have to stay seated on horrible hard chairs, no possibility to lay down. I'm a single mother of two kids, had to take my oldest child with me and they both ended up sleeping on floor or chairs until almost 5am! 

Some big changes have to be done in A&E department ASAP. 

I work in this hospital myself and I work in very busy department as well, department with "live flow" work and I know how challenging it might be, but poorly children and poor their parents who are unbelievably worried about their children should have at least some comfort if they are forced to wait quite a few hours to see Dr. For example- plastic cups for water ? There is water dispenser but no plastic cups, Children who have to wait for hours, why they are not offered some food? I'm sure parents would happily will pay for it only because they can't leave their children alone to buy some food for them in the shop next door. 

Anyway I could say much more, but I think it's enough for this time. I truly hope that some good changes will be made very soon. 

Thank you 

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Responses

Response from Alison Stanton, Complaints and PALS Manager, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust 5 years ago
Alison Stanton
Complaints and PALS Manager,
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Submitted on 29/03/2019 at 13:15
Published on Care Opinion at 16:20


picture of Alison Stanton

Charlotte Durant, Lead Nurse for Paediatrics in the Emergency Department, has responded to say:

I can see that the comments were submitted 4 months ago, and I am pleased to say that since that time, we have made huge improvements to the paediatric area. All the chairs have been replaced with ones which families and children have provided feedback on to say that they are comfortable, as they are soft and padded. The area has extended by 33 ft and has 3 decorated rooms which are child friendly. Toys and books have been replaced but unfortunately not all the people using our service take care with the toys and books, but we endeavour to replace as able and rely on kind donations.

As an emergency service, we see approx. 38,000 children per year and we have to prioritise the condition of the patients. We all work extremely hard to meet the demand of the service and have increased staffing levels by three fold in the last 6 months. A water fountain is freely available with juice and I am sorry there were no cups available as they must have run out. A member of staff would have been happy to supply cups on request. Snacks, toast and sandwiches are also available and once again, I am sorry your children were hungry during this time, and I will remind staff about the importance of this. Signs are now in place to detail the facilities available.

Once more, please accept my apologies for your experience, and I hope you can see that we have worked really hard to make the area better for our children.

Kind regards

Charlotte

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