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Inpatient stay experience

Posted By Treyj95

"Inpatient stay experience"

About: Craigavon Area Hospital / 4 South Craigavon Area Hospital / Emergency Department Northern Ireland Ambulance Service / Emergency ambulance response

(as a staff member posting for a patient/service user),

I came into hospital on Tuesday via accident and emergency after waiting on the arrival of an ambulance for around 2 hrs. When I arrived I waited outside the department due to an overflow of patients and no available beds. I waited for an entire day before I got a bed on the ward. This was frustrating as I was in pain however I am aware the staff working were under a lot of pressure and were trying their best for all of the patients. Within the ward I feel comfortable and safe. Everything is clean and hygienic which makes being in the hospital more pleasant. I feel I have enough privacy on the ward allowing me to read and have some time to myself. 

The food isn't that great. It tastes extremely processed and there isn't a wide variety of choice. The soup tastes lovely however so I cannot complain about that. I have also been given plenty of water throughout the day to help me deal with the hot weather. I also find the tea quite weak and I am looking forward to return home and get a proper cup of tea. It is very warm in the hospital. In fact, I woke up in a pool of sweat freezing a few nights ago so would appreciate a fan to help cool me down.

 The staff are wonderful however. They are so kind and attentive and have cared for me so selflessly. I am very grateful to the nurses and doctors who have made this experience in hospital as positive as possible. 

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Responses

Response from Andrew Dines, Head of Service, Domestic, Catering, Portering and Security Services, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Andrew Dines
Head of Service, Domestic, Catering, Portering and Security Services,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 30/07/2021 at 11:12
Published on Care Opinion at 11:12

Thank you for posting regarding your recent hospital experience.

I will pass your positive feedback to the Domestic Services Team.

I am sorry to see you have not enjoyed the meals provided during your stay. Our revised patient menu will be in operation from Monday 2 August 2021, which will provide more variety and choice. I am also sorry to see you found the tea too weak, we would be happy to provide you with a teabag to help make it stronger.

Our catering department make around 900 meals per day, so it is a large scale catering operation. Our meals are prepared on a daily basis, using fresh ingredients to provide the best nutritional value. Unfortunately we cannot add salt to the cooking process or prior to serving and this could possibly result in the product appearing as highly processed.

Wishing you a speedy recovery

Andrew

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Response from Southern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 04/08/2021 at 14:36
Published on Care Opinion at 14:36

We apologise you had to wait an entire day for an admission bed, the trust has been experiencing a significant number of patients like yourself who wait for long periods in the emergency department on an admission bed. The trust is working hard to improve the flow of patients oout of ED to admission beds. We hope you are recovering well.

Paul Smyth

Acting Head of Service

Emergency Departments and Minor Injury Unit

Response from Amanda Sweetlove, NIAS, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 2 years ago
Amanda Sweetlove
NIAS,
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

Service User feedback

Submitted on 05/08/2021 at 08:32
Published on Care Opinion at 08:32

picture of Amanda Sweetlove

Dear Treyj95

Thank you for including NIAS in your positive story.

I hope you are enjoying a speedy recovery and are feeling a great deal better.

Take care

Amanda

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Response from Sarah Rowntree, Clinical Sister 4 South, Craigavon Area Hospital, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
Sarah Rowntree
Clinical Sister 4 South, Craigavon Area Hospital,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 05/08/2021 at 15:19
Published on Care Opinion at 15:19

sarah rowntree clinical sister 4 south

Thank you for your feedback and your positive experience on the ward

best wishes in your recovery

sarah

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