Care Opinion

The lack of care

Posted By Riggers 10

"The lack of care"

About: Craigavon Area Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a service user),

Waiting in A&E for a ridiculously long time, broken Tannoy system so you can’t hear your name being called.

Broken Vending machines, you can’t get any snacks.

The nurses didn’t come into all the separate areas to call your name.

Blocked dirty toilets in the A&E Department, didn't see a cleaner in at least 10 hours, average waiting time in excess of 19 hours. 

I think the system is broken, litter everywhere 

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Responses

Response from Jill Robinson, Admin Support , Executive Directorate of Nursing Midwifery, AHP’s and Functional Support Services, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 4 days ago
We are preparing to make a change
Jill Robinson
Admin Support , Executive Directorate of Nursing Midwifery, AHP’s and Functional Support Services,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 13/11/2024 at 16:53
Published on Care Opinion at 17:01

Dear Riggers10

Thank you for taking the time to post about your experience in Craigavon A&E.

Unfortunately the vending machine in the front foyer had broken down unexpectedly. The machine has been reported and is awaiting parts. Contingency arrangements have been put in place to ensure a 24 hour catering service is provided.

I apologise that you found the cleanliness unsatisfactory at the time of your visit to A&E and I appreciate that this is not acceptable. The toilets are cleaned 3 times per shift by domestic services and additional cleans are completed if requested. It is clear however that on this occasion the cleaning standards were not met and for that I would like to apologise.

I will share your comments with the Senior Domestic Services Manager who will further investigate this issue to ensure cleaning standards are maintained at all times.

Wishing you well.

Jill Robinson

Support Services

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Update posted by Riggers 10 (a service user)

The vending machine was broken for days I spent two nights in A & E with my partner over a three day period and there were no catering facilities whatsoever, I had to drive into Portadown to get some food for myself and my partner. The toilets were not cleaned from 6pm when I arrived until 7 am the next morning! Please do not insult my intelligence by saying otherwise. I am disgusted by the whole experience. Whilst you were tucked up sleeping in your comfortable bed, patients were neglected, nothing was cleaned, no bins were emptied and no catering facilities whatsoever were provided only a coffee machine. No food was available anywhere.

Response from Stacey Hardy, Lead Nurse CAH Emergency Department, DHH Emergency Department and STH Minors Injuries Unit, Medical and Unscheduled Care Directorate, Southern Health and Social Services Trust 4 days ago
We have made a change
Stacey Hardy
Lead Nurse CAH Emergency Department, DHH Emergency Department and STH Minors Injuries Unit, Medical and Unscheduled Care Directorate,
Southern Health and Social Services Trust

Submitted on 13/11/2024 at 23:11
Published on Care Opinion on 14/11/2024 at 08:58

Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience of the Emergency department at Craigavon Area Hospital. The emergency department continues to be overcrowded with excess patients waiting to be admitted to a ward. Unfortunately this overcrowding means there is very limited capacity for the doctors to see and assess new patients meaning the waiting time can be very long. We have made a change to our allocation of staff so that we have a staff member allocated to the waiting room to complete observations, administer medications when required and answer general questions.

I hope you were seen by a doctor despite the long wait and are recovering well.

Stacey

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Update posted by Riggers 10 (a service user)

Sorry doesn’t cut it I’m afraid, the A&E department was filthy, there was a skeleton staff on despite it being very busy. There is no excuse and no defence.

Staffing levels need to be urgently reviewed, as current levels are insufficient.

One member of staff extra is like sticking a plaster on an arterial bleed, it’s simply not good enough.

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