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The temperature in Causeway hospital

Posted By Overheated

"The temperature in Causeway hospital"

About: Causeway Hospital / Accident & Emergency Causeway Hospital / Medical 2

(as a relative),


My husband was admitted with suspected meningitis yesterday and had a very high temperature. The heat in the hospital was horrendous. There’s a heatwave at present but there was no air conditioning, windows only open a few inches at the top and let in warm air. The staff appeared exhausted, some  wearing sweat stained uniforms as they try to work in these conditions and patients running high temperatures, such as covid patients, are melting in the heat. This is inhumane for both staff and patients. Last night the temperature in A&E was 30 degrees. It was no better in medical 2. No wonder wards are short staffed. How can sick people recover in these conditions? Why is there no A/C in hospital wards?

Heating

Heating


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Responses

Response from Nicky Butcher, Interim Assistant Clinical Services Manager, Renal, Endocrine, Diabetes, NHSCT 2 years ago
Nicky Butcher
Interim Assistant Clinical Services Manager, Renal, Endocrine, Diabetes,
NHSCT

Submitted on 27/07/2021 at 17:54
Published on Care Opinion at 17:54

Dear overheated,

my name is Nicky Butcher, interim assistant services manager at Causeway Hospital.

Firstly, I am sorry to hear that your husband hasnt been well, I wish him a speedy recovery.

At this time,there has been a spell of unusually hot weather,a heatwave. At this time, the usual uniform policy has been relaxed,and staff are permitted to wear scrubs,if desired.

Some choose not to.

Windows can only be opened a fraction to ensure safety of all patients, which must be paramount.

There is no air conditioning permitted at present, due to risk of transmission of covid,nor are fans allowed, for same reason. We have to adhere to advice and guidance from infection control at all times.

I am sorry that you are finding conditions so difficult, but I can ensure you that we are trying to manage the environment, taking into consideration the temperature, whilst juggling the demands of covid, whilst prioritising patient care.

These are unprecedented times, and as always my staff are going above and beyond, and ensuring patient care is not compromised.

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Response from Natalie McLaughlin, Clinical Services Manager, Renal & Endo-Diabetes, Ward B2, Ward C5 and Renal Unit., Northern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Natalie McLaughlin
Clinical Services Manager, Renal & Endo-Diabetes, Ward B2, Ward C5 and Renal Unit.,
Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 27/07/2021 at 18:02
Published on Care Opinion at 18:02

To Overheated

I am sorry to hear you have had an unpleasant experience in terms of the temperature in the hospital. As you have highlighted we have been experiencing an extremley unusual heatwave, in comparison to our usual Northern Ireland Climate, which in itself proved challenging for our staff in terms of working conditions, and also for our patients.

As a Trust, we have responded to the unusally hot spell of weather by allowing our staff to wear scrubs, ensuring they have access to adeqaute hydration, and ventilation within the confines of Covid 19 guidleines.

I hope this response clarifies your concern, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Kind Regards

Natalie McLaughlin

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