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"Why do I have to feel I am a burden"

About: Vale of Leven General Hospital / Renal Dialysis

(as a service user),

I attend the renal unit at the vale of Leven hospital three times a week but on numerous occasions I have needed to use the toilet but why do I have to feel I am a burden just to ask to take me to the toilet I currently have problems with my stomach. And sometimes I need to go but why should I need to feel upset and frightened and need to hold the toilet in that when I leave I ended up soiling myself but what I do not understand is why there is no commode situated in the unit for patients like myself that could use I really shouldn't have to feel insecure in myself to use toilet if I need the toilet.

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Responses

Response from Ewen MacDonald, Clinical Service Manager, Renal Services, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 2 weeks ago
Ewen MacDonald
Clinical Service Manager, Renal Services,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 04/03/2026 at 09:49
Published on Care Opinion at 13:16


Dear Waterloo,

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. I am very sorry to hear about the distressing experiences you have had while attending the renal unit at the Vale of Leven Hospital. No patient should ever feel like a burden when requesting assistance, and it is unacceptable that you have felt upset, frightened, or that your dignity has been compromised.

I have shared your comments with our Lead Nurse, who will carry out a full investigation with the team. In the meantime, I would encourage you to discuss this further with the Senior Charge Nurse for the unit, Julie, so that immediate support and adjustments can be put in place for you.

Kind Regards

Ewen Macdonald

Clinical Service Manager

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