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FAI Surgery at Wrightington Hospital

Posted By A Manxman

"FAI Surgery at Wrightington Hospital"

About: Wrightington Hospital / Trauma and orthopaedics

(as the patient),

Surgery for FAI (and a labral tear).

I was very impressed with the care provided, however I did feel that there was just not enough nursing staff on the wards to allow them to do their jobs properly. They never stopped, absolutely flat out all the time, but I was still left on occasion wanting assistance (not urgent, admittedly) they were not able to provide.

As an example the bed I was in when I was taken back to the ward (4/6, it was during the closure) appeared to have no control for me to adjust - staff having to do it from the bed end control. The NEXT DAY a nursing assistant pointed out the control was there, but had not been hooked to the bedside. No-ones fault really they just don't have time to look for things.

As an Isle of Man patient, I was discharged the next day - this was a nightmare for me, I don't think any consideration was given to the fact I would have to get into an aircraft seat, despite being told I only had 60 degrees flexion. I was in tears by the time I got to the Island, with pain. Not good enough, I needed to have recovered more before such a journey, blocked beds or not! Yes, I was an NHS manager in the past..... I know the pressures. Patients should not be subjected to that discomfort.

Also at some point, no communication had occurred with OT on the Island, they were not aware of me. I'm not sure if this is a 'here or there' issue, but the OT who eventually attended said their assessment would normally be part of pre-op, as this was done at Wrightington perhaps the failure is 'there'?

To end on a positive; cleanliness was exemplary, as were all staff in terms of courtesy and helpfulness, but the Doctors were in such a rush I did feel a little under-informed at times, although I agree some of this would have been due to post anaesthesia daze. Theatre staff too were excellent, in a situation that is massively stressful to the patient, they were superb.

In all a positive experience, with some gaps. I would have no hesitation in recommending Wrightington.

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Responses

Response from Susan Heighway, Patient Relations / PALS Manager , Patient Relations / PALS, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust 11 years ago
Susan Heighway
Patient Relations / PALS Manager , Patient Relations / PALS,
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 22/01/2013 at 15:27
Published on Care Opinion at 15:43

Thank you for posting your comments in respect of your recent stay at Wrightington Hospital. This has been shared with the Head of Nursing for Specialist Services who will be discussing the issue around your discharge with the Therapy lead and the Ward staff. We would also welcome your contact so the Head of Nursing can speak to you directly. Please contact the Patient Relations Department if you feel that this would be helpful.

With regard to the shortage of nurses the Trust has recently successfully recruited 90 Registered Nurses and 55 additional Health Support Workers to continue to improve pateint care and allow our nurses more time to care for our patients.

May I also thank you for your positive comment in respect of your care.

Kind regards

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by A Manxman (the patient)

I spoke to Ms Heighway, who was both helpful and informative. She assured me about the increase in funding for nursing staff, which is fantastic news. She also took my details so that the Head of Nursing can contact me, so I await his call to discuss the matters surrounding my discharge.

Once again, staff at Wrightington show their commitment to provide a safe and improving service, and the fact they listen and take on board constructive criticism from patients is reassuring.

I will update once again after I speak to the Head of Nursing.

Response from Kate Ebbutt, Patient Opinion 11 years ago
Kate Ebbutt
Patient Opinion

Submitted on 25/01/2013 at 13:59
Published on Care Opinion at 14:03

picture of Kate Ebbutt

It's great to hear that you have had such a positive experience in the handling of your concern. We look forward to hearing your update.

Best wishes,

Kate

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by A Manxman (the patient)

I had a call from the Head of Nursing at Wrightington, Mark Keegan, which led to a very frank and open discussion about the issues I raised above.

He explained that the reason for the staffing issues that particular week was illness on another ward, and some staff had been re-distributed to cope. A fair enough reason, better to do that than to delay or cancel operations!

We discussed the discharge and communications issues at some length, and Mr Keegan was happy to take my comments on board as constructive criticism, and assured me that they would be discussed with the relevant teams, to try to ensure a better outcome in the future. I felt very re-assured by his responses, he was also grateful for the input to assist in the improvement of services provided at Wrightington. His candid and positive attitude speaks volumes for the approach of all staff I have spoken to at the hospital, I remain impressed by their approach to problems when brought to their attention. You have to lead from the top.

In all, I am totally satisfied by the responses from Mr Keegan, and am happy to continue to recommend Wrightington as a hospital where you would be able to feel safe and well cared for.

I also recommend that anyone reading this thread with an issue to raise, to use the forum of Patient Opinion to give feedback, be it positive or negative. Hospitals need to know if they are doing things right or wrong, and this is a powerful way to do just that. Have your say! I am now much happier regarding the issues I had as I know they are dealing with them and working on improving their service to out of area patients as a result.

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