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"Worried about cleanliness levels"

About: Gartnavel General Hospital

(as a service user),

I had an appointment for a Covid test for a future surgery. I entered the Hospital and was immediately concerned. The main entrance floors were extremely dirty and looked like they havent been cleaned in months. I continued to walk straight ahead to the lifts as directed by the partitioning in - out system. Again the flooing still extremely dirty and large worn areas of vinyl that I feel should not exist in a hospital due to strict hygiene practice. The lifts had used tissues on the floor. I reached my destination of level 4 A and this area did appear to be a little cleaner looking. The wards did not appeared to be in use. I had my test done by a pleasant nurse who carried out the test quickly and I left. Now I'm heading out and really taking notice. I found the hospital to be in a poor run-down condition. 

On my way back to my car I was dumb struck at the number of disposable masks that had been discarded on the grounds and car park. Shame on the people that feel it's ok to discard used masks in that way, why not dispose to bins provided? I have my surgery to get yet and have already had it cancelled twice now. I'm thinking should I go for my appointment when I'm so concerned about general hygiene? The main entrance is a first point of contact for patients, a good first impression is key to providing confidence to patients in relation to hygienic conditions during  their treatment and this all before they even see a doctor or nurse, 

Whats the theatres like? was my thought. I avoided using the toilets, thought best to wait until I got home. 

I had a good experience with staff that I came into contact with, so not a complete disastrous visit. I'm not sure if funding or lack of it is why the hospital looks so run down but there's no excuse for poor hygiene, especially in times like this. 

I feel that they should get their fingers out and make sure hospital buildings and staff have the necessary funding to maintain the health care system that the taxpayers like myself have been contributing to for over 40 years. Quite frankly I don't like what I see when I need to use the service. 

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Responses

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 3 years ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 12/03/2021 at 09:10
Published on Care Opinion at 09:10


picture of Nicole McInally

Posted on behalf of the Facilities Team

Dear Surg13

We are aware that at the moment the entrance to the hospital is not very inviting due to ongoing essential works taking place. This has meant that an area of the main entrance has been sectioned off and is under hoarding. The flooring in this area will be replaced once these current works are completed and this will really enhance the first impression to the main entrance. There is a painting programme taking place and new signage is being erected. We have also applied for funding for new seating for this area.

Please be assured that the hospital is subject to regular cleaning in accordance with national cleaning standards and the additional cleaning of touch points is also in place. We do have bins in place for people to dispose of discarded hankies and masks but unfortunately some people choose to drop these instead. During cleaning we remove these discarded items as often as possible, but sometimes you may experience these during your visit. We try to avoid this as much as possible as we know this can have a negative effect on your experience and impression of this hospital.

Similarly, the grounds are litter picked daily, again we have people who choose not to use the bins which we have in place for this purpose, but these would be picked up the following day.

We hope that this provides you with reassurance about the cleanliness of the hospital and demonstrates that we are working to improve the hospital site.

It’s good to hear that you had a good experience with the staff you came into contact.

Kind Regards

Anne

Facilities Team

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Update posted by Surg13 (a service user)

Thank you for your response, I have since had my day surgery and pleased to say all went well. Staff were again extremely polite and helpful. I still have concerns about the run down fabrication and cleanliness, however feel reassured that the facilities team will do their best when provided with the necessary funding to carry out the essential works that are so early needed.

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 3 years ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 12/03/2021 at 16:04
Published on Care Opinion at 16:04


picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Surg13

I am glad to hear that your surgery went well and that the staff were polite and helpful. If you need to visit the hospital again I hope that you will notice the difference.

I wish you a speedy recovery.

Kind Regards

Nicole

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