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Care was excellent but patients need space

Posted By Glad514

"Care was excellent but patients need space"

About: University Hospital Hairmyres

(as a relative),

My partner had to have emergency treatment at Hairmryes hospital. He was on ward 11 and his treatment and care could not have been better, I was really impressed, and as a nurse myself I could appreciate how good his care was, they saved his life.

The one problem however was access to the patient’s room. I went with him as I was leaving the hospital to the room so that he could get away for a little while and watch T. V or read a book, but there was a staff member in there with two other people who rather rudely shouted to us can’t you see I’m interviewing in here! It was as though I’d walked into her private office without permission. I was quite taken a back. Surely if a patient wants to use the patient’s room they should be allowed to. I think the staff member could have at least apologized and told us they wouldn’t be long. In evenings on a few occasions staff use this room on breaks and will chat and take food in there. If a patient is in there trying to watch t. v this seems unfair.

The reason this room is used by staff on breaks or for interviews may be because the patients on the ward are really ill so don’t use it too often but patients shouldn’t be denied their own bit of space.

Surely a good compromise would be that if the room is empty, then staff can use it, but if a patient wants to use it then they should be allowed to in peace and quiet. I’m leaving this feedback on behalf of other patients and future patients who may encounter the same issue.

Once again however I would like to clarify that the care was excellent and I don’t think you could get better care even privately.

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Responses

Response from Anne Leitch, Chief of Nursing Services, University Hospital Wishaw, NHS Lanarkshire 8 years ago
Anne Leitch
Chief of Nursing Services, University Hospital Wishaw,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 08/02/2016 at 19:59
Published on Care Opinion on 09/02/2016 at 08:30

picture of Anne Leitch

Dear Glad514,

I’m sorry to hear about your partner’s illness. I’m delighted to hear that the treatment he received was “life saving”; as a nurse yourself you’ll know how such positive feedback can motivate staff and boost morale.

I was disappointed to read about the issues you encountered when using, or trying to access the patient’s room. This room shouldn’t be used in this way by staff and it is not acceptable for staff to be “shouting” at patients or visitors. I’m sorry for any distress or inconvenience this caused.

I will share your feedback with the ward staff and I’ll discuss the use of the patient’s room with the Senior Charge Nurse to make sure it is used appropriately.

If you would like to get in touch with me with some further details regarding dates and times I would be happy to look into this further. (Contact details:- 01355 584499)

I hope your partner is comfortable and recuperating.

Kind regards

Anne Leitch

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Response from Susan Friel, Director of Nursing, Acute Services, NHS Lanarkshire 8 years ago
Susan Friel
Director of Nursing, Acute Services,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 09/02/2016 at 13:37
Published on Care Opinion at 14:17

picture of Susan Friel

Dear Glad514

I would reiterate all Anne's comments above, and I hope you feel able to get in touch with her on the number above, as I know she is keen to hear from you.

I thought you would like to know that as a result of your post, as well as the specific actions that Anne is taking forward, we are going to review the use of our patient dayrooms across the hospital to ensure that patients and their visitors do have access to space to use away from the bedside, whenever possible. We are also taking the opportunity to consider how we can make these rooms more inviting and comfortable.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I hope your partner continues to make a good recovery.

Kind Regards

Susan

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Update posted by Glad514 (a relative)

Thank you very much for your responses and I am very pleased that there is going to be a positive outcome.

Best wishes

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