"Staff were attentive and thorough"

Hi Brightlights,

Thank you very much for sharing your experience regarding a recent visit to our Radiology Department.

Patient feedback is very important to us, now even more so than ever. As we begin to slowly emerge from the peak of the current pandemic it is important that we continue to provide a safe environment for patients, staff and all who pass through our doors. Every day of this pandemic has been a learning curve and every day brings new challenges as we tentatively evolve and step towards our twin goals of opening for business again while keeping everyone safe. This is not something that we can achieve alone, public contribution and engagement is vital, so I think that it is great that you have shared your mainly positive experience on a public forum, as it will inform and reassure other patients, who may be fearful or apprehensive about attending for a Radiology exam, as what to expect. I am delighted that your interaction with the staff was a positive one. I will share your feedback with them. It has been a difficult and challenging time but we are so proud of our staff and how they have risen to the occasion. It is very pleasing to hear that they are still performing their roles in an attentive and safe manner.

In regard to your very valid comment about the green button, which opens the door to exit the department, we have taken steps to address the issue. Unfortunately, when we were originally wall-mounting the hand-sanitisers we were advised that we could not locate them anywhere near electrical sockets or wiring, which ruled out the area above or below the green release button as there are two other switches also located there. We have now created large signs for the doors directing patients and staff to use a hand-sanitiser once they have pressed the green button. We have also wall mounted a sign above the hand-sanitisers to make them more visible. Some of the newer areas of the hospital have non-touch sensors which open doors and this is an option which we will also explore as a potential longer-term solution.

You also commented on the reception desk screen. The screen at the reception desk was erected at the beginning of the pandemic to protect both the patients and the staff. We are finding that it is causing some issues in regard to communication and are still looking for ways to improve this set-up while still providing safety for all, so please bear with us on this as it is a work in progress.

Thank you again for sharing your experience. Stay Safe.

Kind Regards,

Angela Elliott,

Radiology Department Operations Manager.

Hello Brightlights

I would like to say thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about the treatment received and about the Radiology Department staff at Altnagelvin Hospital.

The staff are working extremely hard during these unprecedented times and some one from the radiology department will respond to you about your suggestions in due course. In the mean time can assure you that this will be shared with the relevant staff and will give them a boost.

Best wishes

Vi Gray