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"Lack of communication"

About: University Hospital Monklands / Urology (Ward 6)

(as a relative),

My father unfortunately had to be admitted to ward 6 at Monklands hospital for investigations and subsequent treatment for whatever is ailing him.  He was taken - alone - from the house by paramedics (these guys were great) and had information pertaining to next-of-kin and contact numbers.   All I knew was that he was going to Monklands and I have to say that I am disappointed that I did  not receive any communication from the hospital as to his whereabouts. These are very trying and difficult times for us all,  but surely, when removing people from their home to hospital on their own, with concerned family providing contact details, why are they not been informed of where their relative is?

I fully understand and appreciate the need to reduce the volume of people in the hospital at the present time, hence visiting restrictions.

However, when phoning for information as to his progress, presentation and results of investigations/tests, I was told that they are limited to the information they can give you over the phone.

I fully understand and appreciate the need for confidentiality, however my father has consented for information sharing with his nominated next-of-kin.  This clearly cannot be done face-to-face at present, therefore what changes are being implemented to ensure that the appropriate information is being shared with nominated next-of-kin?

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Response from Rick Edwards, Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire 4 years ago
Rick Edwards
Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 06/04/2020 at 13:58
Published on Care Opinion at 13:58


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Dear FFMN13,

I hope your dad is comfortable and being well cared for. I'm really sorry to hear about the lack of communication at what is clearly an anxious and worrying time for your family. Thank you for observing the stay at home guidance.

Communication in these circumstances is really important and we clearly didn't get this right; we need to adapt our communication to ensure families are updated timeously when they are unable to accompany their loved one at the moment. I've shared your feedback with the Senior Nurse Manager for the Surgical directorate who will discuss this with her ward teams.

I appreciate your frustration regarding the level of information provided by phone, this needs to be considered by the clinical professional having the conversation; I have however spoken to Senior Charge Nurse Hendrie on Ward 6 and she would be happy to hear from you on Tel No: 01236 712258 to discuss your father's care.

Kind regards

Rick

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