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It was clear to see that they were short staffed

Posted By MaggieT1947

"It was clear to see that they were short staffed"

About: Ninewells Hospital / Acute Medical Unit (AMU)

(as a relative),

I am an ex nurse of over 35 years experience and 

I have concerns with the safety on ward 15 / Acute Medical Unit in ninewells hospital.

My relative was admitted recently, and the conditions I witnessed were horrific. There were patients lining the corridor. The nurses and doctors on the ward looked run ragged, but they did all they could and it was clear to see that they were short staffed. 

The ward itself was over crowded and it seemed obvious to me that there was no direction from senior management or medics. Nobody was there directing the chaos. There were wheelchairs and stretchers everywhere. I couldn’t sleep for worrying about my relative being in that ward. They waited what seemed like and eternity to be seen by a doctor.

We had only a nursing auxiliary to look after them (no disrespect to the auxiliaries but it is not what they are paid for).

I hate to think what would have happened if any of the patients in the corridor took unwell... there would have been no space for emergency care! 

It’s under staffed and no obvious direction from those in authority. I am appalled. I fear for the impact on patient safety.

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Responses

Response from Sean Mcartney, Operational Nurse Director, NHS Tayside 4 years ago
Sean Mcartney
Operational Nurse Director,
NHS Tayside

Submitted on 14/10/2019 at 09:52
Published on Care Opinion at 14:55

Dear 'MaggieT1947',

I am extremely concerned and disappointed regarding your description of the experience that both you and your relative encountered within the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Ninewells Hospital.

I would be better placed to provide a more detailed response if I had the date and time of the events that you have described.

The AMU is an extremely busy acute medical receiving unit and there are times in the day when there is significant patient movements both in and out of the department resulting in an increased number of patients.

The AMU has both a consultant and senior nurse coordinator who manage patient activity and flow through the department. I apologise that your relative waited to be seen by a Doctor. When patients arrive in the AMU they are assessed and triaged by a nurse which supports the prioritisation of medical assessment. All patient have an allocated Registered Nurse supported by a Healthcare Assistant, I apologise that this was not clearly communicated with you or your relative.

The nurse staffing is in line with national workforce tools and is reviewed at least on a daily basis.

I will ensure that your feedback is shared with the Medical and Nursing teams for their reflection and action.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, we welcome and value feedback.

Thank again Sean McArtney

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Response from Sean Mcartney, Operational Nurse Director, NHS Tayside 4 years ago
Sean Mcartney
Operational Nurse Director,
NHS Tayside

Submitted on 17/10/2019 at 10:25
Published on Care Opinion at 10:42

Dear MaggieT1947,

I am sorry that you found my response unhelpful.

I would welcome the opportunity to provide you with a more detailed response for the specific date and time.

Should you wish to have a meeting or direct written response, I can be contacted via our Complaints and Feedback Team on 0800 027 5507 (freephone) or by email to feedback.tayside@nhs.net.

Kind regards

Sean McArtney

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