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Pain management

Posted By pyxiszc75

"Pain management"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Trauma & Orthopaedics

(as the patient),

On monday 21st June i had elective ortho surgery. The surgeon Mr Wong was Fantastic. 

The ward was clean spacious and care was given to the current covid situation. Although having no visitors meant tat little things where difficult like closing the blinds in the room. Not easy to do on crutches! 

Back from theatre and the pain was as expected high. However what wasnt expected was having to repeatedly ask for pain relief! It felt much like begging for pain medication every 4 hrs. At one stage I was asked did I take a lot of medication at home because I needed so much morphine.  What exactly was this staff member asking me? In agony and not in good form, this was extremely upsetting? I felt like they were trying to say I had issues. I was left feeling like I couldn't ask for pain relief. Foot surgery is extremely painful which I knew would be the case but to be left feeling like I couldn't ask for help was even more upsetting. 

Also little things like helping a pt on crutches pack to go home would go along way.  

Not all bad. I cant continue without mentioning 2 nurses who helped me through. Gemma and Viji. These girls were brilliant they checking in on me and helped in every way they could. Brilliant nurses who redeemed this experience. 

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Responses

Response from Nichola Cairns, Lead Nurse for Trauma and Orthopedics, Trauma and Orthopaedics, WHSCT 2 years ago
We have made a change
Nichola Cairns
Lead Nurse for Trauma and Orthopedics, Trauma and Orthopaedics,
WHSCT

Submitted on 02/07/2021 at 12:31
Published on Care Opinion at 16:28

Dear pyxiszc75

Thank you for sharing your experience and bringing this to my attention This was shared with the ward sister to raise with the team who apologises for the shortcomings and welcomes the opportunity to address the issues that you have raised.

In view of the blinds not being closed staff are now encouraged to ask the patient is there anything else they need before leaving the bedside. Usually staff do help pack belongings but on this occasion it was an oversight In a busy clinical environment. The team are only recently providing care in a ward that is fully single room accommodation and they are working to adapt to new working practices to ensure good visibility and communication with their patients.

In relation to pain relief – seeking more patient history and information sometimes is necessary and questions by staff may appear intrusive. However this does not excuse the manner in which you were addressed by a staff member. I am sure no offence was intended and I apologise that this caused you upset. Staff will be reminded that foot surgery is very painful and the importance of empathy. The nursing team are currently trialling new pain protocols developed by the anaesthetic and surgical doctors and are very aware of the need to ensure good post-operative pain relief. We will provide them with feedback on your experience.

Your feedback with regards to Mr Wong, Gemma and ViJi were also shared with them.

Again please accept my apologies for the upset caused. My team and I want our patients to have a good experience with our service.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention there has been some valuable learning in your feedback.

If you wish to discuss this more please contact me Nichola Cairns 02871345171 on 213419.

Best wishes

Nichola Cairns

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