"Patient 'Treatment' Ward 8A: While..."

What could be improved

Patient 'Treatment' Ward 8A: While visiting a family friend regulary on Ward A, I have observed a complete lack of interpersonal skills amongst serveral of the day nurses when dealing with patients. One day, I popped in to drop off a washbag and observed one of the elderly female patients being told in a raised voice ' look at me when I am talking to you!'

This was one of the sisters, who stomped around, grabbing the same patients chart and talking/laughing about her in front of other patients and myself.

Another time, a gentleman was expressing concerns about the level of care he was receiving. He became agitated and started shouting. I was amazed to see a nurse shout back at him. They continued to shout back at him whilst walking away and carrying out various tasks away from his bedside, which escalated the incident.

It would seem to an impartial onlooker that at any hint of dissatisfaction from patients the nurses behave in a very defensive way which could feel quite intimidating if you were sick and unable to confront this type of treatment. Several nurses could benefit from putting themselves in the patient's shoes and exercising a little more patience and restraint when facing a stressful or difficult situation. It feels more like a playground with bullies than a supportive and caring environment.

Patients and visitors alike feel unable to tackle these issues for fear of the same treatment. When nurses did not like a patient, they stopped helping the patient and left things out of reach. People are told off for buzzing for help too often then told off if they do not buzz and something goes wrong. The night nurses are better but smoke on the ward. Please do not suggest people contact PALS, if patients ask ward nurses to speak to PALS.

They keep saying they will get in touch but they do not contact them. Nurses made effort during visiting time to show a different side of things to patients family and friends. Please escalate these issues, thank you.