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I visited my father after his admission...

Story from nhs.uk

"I visited my father after his admission..."

About: Darlington Memorial Hospital

What could be improved

I visited my father after his admission to W14 place seemed like a warzone. Cluttered corridors visitors and staff milling around (some staff watching and commenting on on going soap operas).Very little privacy. Toilet had loose dangerous seat and despite the need for cleanliness the soap dispenser was incorrectly fitted and unusable

Unable to provide him with a walker to get to the toilet i was given a wheel chair and then had to lift him on and off the loo despite him being admitted with a head injury after a fall.

There seemed to be no one really in charge and at one point when visitors were asked to vacate the room because of the use of an xray machine doctors were openly discussing ca ase across us in the corridor.

Some staff seemed unaware of their duties and seemed to be looking for something to do (or not as the case may be)

Anything else?

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Responses

Response from Darlington Memorial Hospital 13 years ago
Darlington Memorial Hospital

Submitted on 11/10/2010 at 17:15
Published on nhs.uk on 12/10/2010 at 04:00

Responded 5th Oct

Thanks for your comments of ward 14. Your comments have been relayed to the senior nursing team. They are sorry to hear of your negative experiences when visiting your father.

This ward is exceptionally busy with around 40 admissions and 40 transfers or discharges every day. There is also a multi disciplinary team who meet on the ward and visit patients. As this team can be confused for the ward nursing staff, it may appear that they are not carrying out the usual nursing duties as would be expected.

The ward team try to ensure privacy at all times using curtains and notices stating that privacy is required. They are also required to ensure patients within the same bay are of the same sex. Relatives are also asked to leave during ward rounds to ensure privacy.

The toilet seat had been reported and has now been repaired. The soap dispensers are checked daily. The nursing staff are unable to provide walkers without an assessment from a physiotherapist who visit the ward daily.

There is a nurse co ordinator on the ward with each nurse given an area if responsibility. The issue of doctors openly discussing a case in front of relatives is not acceptable, and will be discussed to ensure all discussions take place in the doctors office.

Your comments have been very useful and will be taken on board to ensure we improve the patient experience on ward 14.

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