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"Chartwell Unit outpatients - very poor..."

About: Princess Royal University Hospital (Orpington)

Along with a waiting room full of patients I have just spent 2.45 hours sitting with my elderly father waiting for his appointment. At no time did any member of staff politely communicate to waiting patients the extent of the delay, in addition the appointment screens display information that is meaningless to patients.

I appreciate that the patients attending the Chartwell have complex health requirements that can necessitate longer consultation times than scheduled and that the consultants are hugely overstretched with long lists of patients to see but there is no excuse for a healthcare nursing professionals or member of the admin team not communicating the status of the wait time and if its over an hour they could even suggest that those patients that might like a refreshment could get a cup of tea or refreshment.

Patients attending Chartwell can often be anxious and therefore a smile and regular communications updates are essential. Screens that display patients friendly info and TV would also be helpful.

Come on PRU this is basic best practice communications that can make a lot of difference to patient experience.

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Responses

Response from Princess Royal University Hospital 6 years ago
Princess Royal University Hospital
Submitted on 18/02/2019 at 11:00
Published on nhs.uk at 12:07


Thank you for posting your comments and I am sorry to hear that the communication about waiting times was not good.

We do have some good news here in that we're about to install screens with more detailed information about waiting times, which will include the consultant's clinic, which should help to keep patients and their families better informed.

Patients will also be able to check in via mobile phone and also keep abreast of waits.

I know this isn't a substitute for staff communication but we are hoping it will help.

Planning to launch from April onwards.

Will pass your comments onto the team.

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