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"My wife's most recent visit to emergency department"

About: The Ulster Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a relative),

My wife has been into the ED twice in 2 weeks for her gallbladder. The most recent visit;

During triage her temperature wasn't taken. Is this not mandatory procedure?

When I asked for painkillers, the only person who seemed to be working asked what she normally takes. They were instructed paracetamol, cocodamol and Shortec. They came back with paracetamol. I asked for something stronger as she is in acute pain. We were then brought codeine. I had to ask firmly for something like morphine as these were ridiculous. They later came back with 3mg of oral morphine, handed me the syringe, mumbled that it was morphine and left me to administer it to my wife. Surely handing someone a controlled drug and walking off is not protocol?

My wife's visit has been frustrating, a farce and at times down right ridiculous.

I could go on about previous visits but you don't have the time.

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Responses

Response from Jennifer Nicholson, Lead Nurse - Emergency Care, Emergency Medicine - A&E, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Jennifer Nicholson
Lead Nurse - Emergency Care, Emergency Medicine - A&E,
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 20/04/2022 at 10:34
Published on Care Opinion at 10:34


Hi tigerxp47

Sorry to hear about you and your wife's experience not being at the standard you expected. We will reflect on the information given and remind staff to adhere to correct procedures. Recording temperature is patient condition specific rather than mandatory.


Pain is normally managed usually a pain ladder of appropriate medication rather than starting with controlled drugs as some alternative medications work better for specific types of pain.

If you want to email me directly with your wife's details I can review her clinical records and speak with staff so we can ensure maximum learning? jennifer.nicholson@setrust.hscni.net

I do hope your wife is improving.

Kind Regards

Jenny

Interim Lead Nurse

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