This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?

"Frustrating for family members"

About: Inverclyde Royal Hospital / Outpatients

(as a relative),

I feel this should be prefaced by saying the staff at the Endoscopy unit are wonderful and are doing a brilliant job, however, I feel the unit could be better managed. Having visited the unit on multiple occasions this year, I understand that no family members may accompany the patient, however this is not always the case. As someone that works in the NHS, I understand that’s there are exceptions to every rule, but it’s frustrating for family members who are stuck 40/50 minutes from home, in a location that has few to no amenities, for an unspecified amount of time. 

May I suggest that the unit thinks about embracing a more patient centred approach followed by other health boards which allows patients to have a singular family member with them throughout their time in recovery? I understand the unit struggles with space but this is something that could make an immense difference to patient satisfaction. 
In addition to this, it may help patients with their comprehension of the examination they are about to undergo and the subsequent results. The majority of patients that undergo any form of scope will also receive sedation which can inhibit understanding and the ability to remember information that’s been given to them. On 3 occasions, I have had to sit and decipher the scope report because my partner can’t remember what he was told, or felt he couldn’t ask questions of the nursing staff. This may not be as easy for someone that doesn’t have a medical background or an understanding or anatomy and medical terminology. 
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Heather Lapsley, Clinical Services Manager - Surgery and Older People's Services, Inverclyde Royal Hospital - Clyde Sector, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 4 years ago
Heather Lapsley
Clinical Services Manager - Surgery and Older People's Services, Inverclyde Royal Hospital - Clyde Sector,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 29/05/2019 at 09:14
Published on Care Opinion at 09:14


picture of Heather Lapsley

Dear FrustratedatIRH

Many thanks for taking the time to post on Care Opinion and sharing your experience as a relative. I have passed on your comments to the Lead Nurse for Endoscopy who has provided the response below.

She would be more than happy to discuss the difficulties you encountered and can be contacted by telephone 01475 504355 or email Julie.Huntly@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Patients receive an information leaflet which explains that there is no space for patients' relatives to wait. Whilst I appreciate this is unfortunate the design of the unit does not facilitate this. The examination, is explained in full detail in the consent booklet and there is an opportunity to discuss an worries or concerns with the pre assessment nurse before the procedure.

Patients can request to have a relative present during assessment and this can be discussed with the nurse. This is offered on a regular basis and we apologise this did not happen in your partner's case.

Unfortunately the patient waiting area within endoscopy is restricted to eight seats, in line with the available patient capacity for theatre.

The recovery area also has eight spaces and is akin to a theatre recovery area. Patients often experience differing after effects from their procedures which could be embarrassing for them if other patients' relatives are present. The privacy of the patient environment is paramount in ensuring confidentiality. As such, no Endoscopy recovery areas within GGC permit relatives in this area.

I can confirm that the information detailed in the postal consent form offers the opportunity for relatives to accompany the patient in discussions with relevant clinicians post recovery.

I will share your feedback at my senior charge nurse meeting this week.

Kind Regards

Julie

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k