Text size

Theme

Language

"ACU visit"

About: General and specialist medicine / Ward 41 (AMU)

(as a relative),

Complete different experience today compared to yesterday. Mother was assessed and treated yesterday for dehydration/ poor kidney function . Had IV drip for fluids levels 

Improved however was to come back next day or Thursday for more fluids. Mother has terminal pulmonary fibrosis in a wheelchair and 24/7 oxygen due to lung disease. High risk of recurring infections and was advised by respiratory doctor to avoid A&E. Doctor from health centre referred her to this unit to avoid A&E.

On arrival terrible attitude from staff doing check in (room D), was told we don’t have appointment and will have to go to A&E. I explained my mother was in yesterday and was told to come back to receive more fluids. Mother took unwell in the morning, not sure she should have been discharged yesterday.

All patients in waiting room all commented on the staff member's attitude, no empathy shown when communicating with my mother. As stated in website, patients with mobility impairments or other impairments can have 1 person. However, I was told to leave the ward, and when my mother asked how long would she be expected to stay, would it be roughly the same as yesterday, the receptionist said they didn’t know, as they weren't in yesterday!!

Excellent experience yesterday, suppose it’s down to the staff working. No care, compassion or empathy shown today.      

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Corrina Dunn, Deputy Ward Sister Ambulatory Care Unit Altnagelvin Hospital, Acute Services, WHSCT 2 years ago
We have made a change
Corrina Dunn
Deputy Ward Sister Ambulatory Care Unit Altnagelvin Hospital, Acute Services,
WHSCT
Submitted on 10/11/2022 at 20:55
Published on Care Opinion at 21:47


Hi Cyclonerx93,

I am one of the Deputy Sisters within the Ambulatory Care Unit in Altnagelvin. I am so sorry to hear that whilst attending with your mother at our unit last week, you felt you were treated without empathy and had a negative experience on that day.

I can only apologise that this happened and that you felt you were mis treated. I have spoken with the staff member involved, who has also apologised and regrets that her communication came across like this on that day. As you know, we are a very busy unit and we do follow hospital guidelines about visitors on our ward. I have spoken to the staff member about this, as your mother was a vulnerable adult with reduced mobility, you should have been allowed to stay with her for the duration of her appointment that day. Staff member was not aware that guidelines had changed and also sends her apologies for this.

I hope that if you come to attend our unit in the future, your experience will be a positive one. I will address your above complaints with all of my ACU team and ensure this will not happen again.

I hope your mother is now recovered from her illness.

kind regards

Corrina Lees

ACU Deputy Sister

AAH

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k