I was unfortunate enough to have to visit a relative in Monklands hospital recently. I was taken aback by the state of the ward and the lack of basic care available. My relative was in hospital for five days before the sheets on the bed were changed and even then the staff had to be prompted to do so. There were two sheets and what was laughingly called a blanket. There was a stop on visitors to my relative as we were told it was an infection control issue!
When I visited the lunch was brought in. This consisted of soup (I use the term loosely) a packet of sandwiches and a plastic tub which said fruit on the top and a cardboard cup of milk. No plate, knife or napkin was present. Given that my relative is immunosuppressed and has a problem swallowing, maybe someone should have checked the dietary needs of this patient as bread is really not an option.
I fully understand that there are financial constraints on all NHS boards but the waste of food is not a saving but a financial loss.
The tea trolley came by later in the afternoon and once again a cardboard cup was presented. Surely this is not acceptable?
The saving grace in all of this is that the staff were helpful and professional and no doubt stretched to the limit.I also found the ward to be cluttered and looked dirty although I can’t say for sure if this was wear and tear or it really was dirty.
"Lack of basic care"
About: University Hospital Monklands University Hospital Monklands Airdrie ML6 0JS
Posted by Confused of Lerwick (as ),
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