"The discharge process at QA Hospital Portsmouth"

In September 2021 I was asked if I would go to a newly established Discharge Lounge at Portsmouth QA hospital to free up my bed after having had emergency surgery for appendicitis and peritonitis a few days before, against the best judgement of the ward sister. She felt under pressure to provide beds, and I fully understood the need to free up A&E beds, having spent 8 hours there myself on 9 September.

I  agreed after being told that she understood that the Discharge Lounge was staffed by nurses, and set up with the necessary facilities to care for my needs.

 I was told there may be a delay in providing my drugs for discharge. I was taken down in a wheelchair from the comfort of a bed on a ward to a large room set out with upright chairs, which were very uncomfortable given my wounds. After half an hour I was in such discomfort that I had to walk around for half an hour, by which time I was exhausted. I asked for a pillow so that I could have a degree of comfort.  None were available and a member of staff had to go to a ward to obtain a pillow. Eventually I was offered a chair with foot support, the only one in the room.

 I eventually spent 3 hours waiting for my drugs, with no pain relief.  By the time my drugs were delivered I was exhausted and in pain. 

The chief nursing officer and chief executive visited the lounge whilst I was there and I recounted my experience to them. I write this in the hope that my comments were taken on board and that facilities have been improved and delays reduced.

It was known the previous day that I was due to be discharged and if my prescriptions has been filled in advance the process would have been much shorter. 

It is unacceptable to have only one chair with foot support available when people are going home with surgical wounds and in severe discomfort. 

My life was saved, for which I thank the medical and nursing staff profusely, however the discharge process caused unnecessary pain and suffering and I hope that the process has been improved since my experience.