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Care Opinion

Undignified Corridor Care

Posted By Lulu2022

"Undignified Corridor Care"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Emergency Medicine

(as a service user),

Admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary via A&E. once transferred to ward I learnt there wasn’t a room available as the ward was full and my options were to be expected to spend my time on a random bed that had been put in the corridor or to discharge myself against medical advice. I had no expectation of a room to myself but did expect some privacy when talking about my medical history and personal information. The physical space on the ward for this happening isn’t available either since as soon as there is a nurse or doctor at my bedside the whole corridor is blocked. According to staff this is common practice across ARI with no real explanation to the reason. The ward staff don’t understand why this is happening only that they have no choice as the instructions are coming from people higher up. The whole situation is undignified. 

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Responses

Response from Chief Nurse, Medicine & Unscheduled Care, NHS Grampian nearly 2 years ago
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 28/06/2022 at 18:06
Published on Care Opinion on 29/06/2022 at 09:16

Dear Lulu2022

First of all, I hope you are recovering well. I am sorry you had such a negative experience during your stay in ARI. Patient dignity and confidentiality are very important to us.

What you have described is known as corridor care. It is something we only use as a last resort when the hospital is extremely busy, and we have exhausted all other options. We acknowledge it is far from ideal and it is something we only use at times of extreme pressure.

There is a process in place for implementing corridor care, but your experience suggests we need to do more to ensure staff at all levels in the hospital understand what this is and why it is happening.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns with you if you would like to contact us.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and again, I hope you are making a good recovery.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Lulu2022 (a service user)

I feel ensuring staff understand the process is not an ideal way forward. Providing safe and confidential spaces for medical assessment and treatment is required along with a quicker response to cleaning rooms after patient discharge. You also mentioned to get in contact to discuss further but have not provided any contact details.

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