"Access at the point of access"

Both major hospitals in town are under extensive construction/modernisation, one of them I was requested to visit.

1) I wasn’t aware of new priority directions. 2) neither was the man re-routing people, patients and visitors, staff, service people and construction personnel. 3) he was unsure as to which parts (the old) existing buildings still in use and was misinforming taxis, ambulances, police and paramedics, not to mention me as to my hoped for destination had been or was in the process of being demolished. Then not sure of anything, with the rain and the traffic, the chaos of it all was like a Ealing studio classic, but without the laughter. Only to find that when eventually assured by a direct telephone call to my destination that it had escaped the crushing ball. I was to find 4) no disable parking. Doctors park a step away from door. Staff next. Construction staff next. Then first come first served.

The final straw was a paper sign on entrance – Lift out of order. Then a severe roof leak and toilet overflow of foul smelling odorous dampness permeating into the intended and used treatment/consulting room. Its beyond belief. It felt like Iraq would fair better, whilst under bombardment. The drop in standards, even through change, must never be compromised. It affects staff morale, not to mention patient/client confidence, let alone clinical care.

What could have been better? Informed advice and consideration for your tax paying users. And angered staff whose heads are dropping in despair. Not doing anything is surely not an option. Its not a emergency hospital, but it is a hospital with an emergency.

[Refers to :CMHT AND ACCESS VIA NEW DEVELOPMENT, OLDER PARTS OF HOSPITAL STILL IN USE]