I went into HRI Ward 6 as an emergency, and could see a number of improvements since my last hospital stay 10 years earlier. Cleanliness was much improved, and the medical staff were more approachable. The domestic and catering staff were all lovely, as was the vast majority of nursing staff.
However, one nurse in charge of the night shift was incredibly noisy - singing, shouting and talking in a very loud voice all night. She was the senior on duty, and the other nurses were reluctant to ask her to be quiet.
The food was fresh and good quality, but you were lucky if you got what you ordered. I was nauseous and vomiting for days, and also needed to avoid fat and dairy, but was lucky if I took in 500 calories a day. But I wasn't allowed to add boiled potatoes to my salad. The catering staff were helpful but seemed badly trained; one told me that the roast potatoes were fat-free, and that cheese contains no fat!
In spite of this, one nurse tried to refuse me breakfast on the day of my procedure, despite written info that I needed to fast for only 4 hours before surgery.
An old lady in my ward came off worse - little attempt was made to help her eat, staff misplaced her dentures, gave her medication which made her vomit just before meals, and one nurse gave her a public telling-off for vomiting on the floor, when her only other option was to soil her clothes, as she was unable to move.
All of the nursing staff were very hard-working, and most were very caring and compassionate, but the routines and processes of the ward seemed more important than the individual needs of the patients. Staff had little time to talk, to explain, to resolve problems etc.
I have to return for more surgery, and I dread a return to that ward.
"Ward 6, Hull Royal Infirmary"
About: Hull Royal Infirmary / General surgery Hull Royal Infirmary General surgery HU3 2JZ
Posted by gallstones (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from NHS Hull
See more responses from NHS Hull