I was admitted as an emergency and was put on a geriatric ward because there was a bed available there, even though I am only 68.
The toilet on the ward was not adequate. It was not big enough for a nurse to accompany the patient nor could it accommodate a large enough waste bin. Many of the patients were using incontinence pads and were leaving soiled pads on top of the bin.
Whenever I pointed out the state of the toilet to staff, it was cleaned immediately. However, regular cleaning of the toilet was only 3 times a day. Toilet cleaning on a geriatric ward needs to be done more often than every 8 hours! Many of the patients were also suffering from dementia and were not hygiene aware.
I also noticed that the porters did not use the sanitising gel when entering the ward. I had experience of 4 different porters and none of them used the gel, nor did they stop so that I could use the gel. Porters touch many rails, handles and surfaces as they go from ward to ward, so I think they should be required to use the gel.
"My recent stay in hospital."
About: Derriford Hospital / Older people's healthcare Derriford Hospital Older people's healthcare PL6 8DH
Posted by chrizza (as ),
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