"Ward conditions"

I was transferred from AMU to ward 46. Had been a patient in ward 42 some time before and the experience was not good. So I was apprehensive about going there but was already on IV antibiotics and needed nursing care. Glad that I had been allocated a cubicle rather than in the communal ward.

As stated I was nervous and apprehensive.

These are things I observed and pointed out to the senior staff who listened politely and said if we did not tell them about the problems they would not know about them???

1)    Bed in ward almost certainly not freshly made up. My friendly care assistant soon put that right.

2)    Floor had not been mopped, there were bits of rubbish on the floor. A strip of adhesive on a joint in the floor covering was curled up at the edges and unsightly.

3)    Metal strip at head of bed hanging off the wall.

4)    When moving the locker a spoon appeared from underneath covered in mould. A plastic glass not used by me stayed under the bed for 3 days until a very efficient young woman came to clean the room properly. Other cleaners had not once cleaned the bed frame, locker, sink or bed table adequately.

5)    In the whole week I was there I was unable to have a shower (one shower to 26 patients). Was told that very few of the patients on this ward were able to go to the shower room? Reason for not having a shower – the adjuster would not stay in position?? Asked for help after getting soaking wet twice but it still would not stay at height required.

By the way. This shower room smelt strongly of sewage/drains for the whole week I was there. No plugs in sink in order to wash properly? Due to flooding??

A second shower was for the use of a disabled person with assistance.

After a thorough clean by the efficient cleaner I was asked to go to the day room while the metal strip was removed from the wall and two of the walls were emulsioned?? Pity this was not requested throughout the ward. Floor covering was also sealed properly during this clean up.

The whole block is not fit for purpose. I feel sorry for the excellent staff who have to work in these areas.

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