"unfair to us patients"

Thankyou for sharing your experience.

I understand the frustration that you must be feeling, it does appear unfair. As you can appreciate each ward only has one seclusion room and if patients require seclusion because they are unwell, the service managers have to utilised a seclusion room in another area to provide patients was the addition care and treatment required during crisis.

I know this appears unfair but I know you can appreciate they are trying to run the hospital safely in this challenging time and this certainly has an impact on staffing and clinical activity. I know is no consolation to you and the other patients on your ward but I can assure that everyone is working tirelessly to recruit and retain staff to make your care and experience a positive one.

Thanks again for your feedback- I will certainly raise your concerns to your Quality Matron and Service Manager.

Thank you for your Care Opinion.

We have recently been in unprecedented times with regards to staffing. NHS recruitment challenges and shortfalls are a national issue which has an enormous and negative impact on Patients here at Rampton, it also has an impact on staff, many of which are working beyond there contracted working hours. Additionally, the return of COVID positive cases impacted on staff availability.

Seclusions are an event that nobody desires, and they're something we take every opportunity to avoid. Unfortunately, they do occur from time to time. Your post clearly articulates the impact of clinical events and limited staffing has on your area. I am really sorry that you (and other patients on Eden) have experienced problems around confinement and limited ward access.

I just want to to this opportunity to explain to you that despite regular staffing fluctuations and shortfalls, the hospital management team make every effort to distribute staffing fairly, safely and effectively. Rotas are planned months in advance. Daily meetings take place between multiple disciplines to ensure that staffing is distributed efficiently in response to changing clinical requirements and staff sickness levels. Many differing options are considered and actioned including the cancellation of staff training events and staff changing their attendance days/days off. Such options are extreme but nonetheless they are considered so we meet the patient need. I feel the need to inform of this, to assure you that we are indeed making every effort to ensure that staff are distributed appropriately. The effects of limited staffing has an impact on all patients across the hospital but I have been blessed to witness how well patients and staff work together harmoniously to overcome the issues. I became a nurse to help people, offering a restricted service doesn't sit comfortably with me or indeed any other nurse, so please be assured that we will work tirelessly to address your concerns.

Once again I apologise for your recent experiences. I will note your words and consider them when in staffing meetings to ensure due consideration is afforded to all patients and wards.

Antony