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Care Opinion

Clarity around visiting hours

Posted By Reillg

"Clarity around visiting hours"

About: University Hospital Hairmyres / Acute Medical Receiving Unit (AMRU)

(as a relative),

I visited my mother in ward 2, Hairmyres Hospital last week.  I was accompanied by my elderly Aunt and Uncle, both in their mid eighties.  My Aunt is very slow on her feet and walks with 2 sticks. 

On entering my mum's bay area I was informed by a staff nurse that visiting hours was 2-4pm however as we where there we could stay but if we could we should abide by the times in future.  I informed the staff nurse that it is my understanding is that the Scottish Government have sent out a directive which advised all visiting time should be flexible.   The nurse then advised that South Lanarkshire  was different and as they where a receiving ward they had strict visiting hours.  My understanding is although we do avoid meal times this can in fact be the best time to visit as relatives and carers can assist with meal times rather than busy nurses and nursing assistants.  

Your website advises that all wards in Hairmyres have adopted flexible visiting hours.  I would be grateful if you could clarify where  Hairmyres is in implementing this to save any embarrassment for patients, their family, friends and also the staff working in the wards.  This was not a pleasant experience and felt the nurse was dismissive of the needs of her patients, having family and friends around you whilst in hospital assists with the recovery process and is in the best interests of the patient.

Kindest Regards

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Responses

Response from Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire 9 months ago
Lise Axford
Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 26/07/2023 at 18:08
Published on Care Opinion at 18:08

picture of Lise Axford

Dear Reillg

I am sorry to read that you had an unpleasant experience whilst visiting your mother in the medical receiving ward and that the nurse was dismissive. You are correct that all wards have adopted flexible visiting depending on the needs of the patient and their visitors and I would expect a welcoming approach and compassionate discussion. My sincere apologies to you and your Aunt and Uncle that this did not happen.

We actively support John's campaign and again you are correct that meal times are important for patients if relatives are providing support with their needs. For other patients, having this as a quiet, protected time is equally as important.

Ward 2 is an exceptionnaly busy receiving area and patients have previously indicated that they wish to have some restrictions to visiting as they are in such an acute phase of admission. However, this should be flexible and poerson centred.

I will share your comments with the ward team and discuss my expectations with the Senior nursing leaders for this area. Again I offer my apologies.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and please be assured that I will act on your feedback.

Kind regards

Lise

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Update posted by Reillg (a relative)

Hi Lisa

Thank you for your response however I would like to add that no patients in ward 2 mentioned any regard for visitors attendance in fact they welcomed them how ever it was the attitude of the staff nurse who made everyone feel uneasy.

kindest regards

Response from Lise Axford, Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire 9 months ago
Lise Axford
Chief of Nursing, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 27/07/2023 at 09:57
Published on Care Opinion at 09:57

picture of Lise Axford

Hi Reillg

Thank you for your update. I am taking this up with the SCN this morning as do expect staff to be welcoming at all times.

As you know, its a difficult balance as when we last asked for patient feedback, there was a consensus to protect some times throughout the day. However, staff should always be courteous and professional. Again my sincere apologies and we will review visiting times and discuss with the wider team regarding professional communication.

Lise

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Update posted by Reillg (a relative)

Hi

Thank you again for your speedy response. As an employee of NHS I do understand clinical activity verses patients needs and at times there needs to be a fine balance. I would like to add that she is getting excellent care whilst in Hairmyres.

Kindest Regards

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