We are listening – respect and dignity

Gwen

Coming to hospital when you are ill or injured can be a very worrying and stressful time. Healthcare provision is often complex, with patients needing to see different members of staff in different areas or departments; as well as having to undergo medical examinations, tests and investigations.

The Rapid Access Clinic at Hairmyres is accessed by many patients on a daily basis, who may be attending a review appointment or for further investigations.

We know that people can feel anxious and vulnerable when undergoing tests or investigations, particularly if having to change into hospital gowns. Staff are mindful of people’s dignity and try to ensure the appropriate size gowns are provided and that people have sufficient privacy (with appropriate support when requested) when getting changed.

Recent feedback from patients undergoing tests who had changed into hospital gowns has led to an environmental improvement in the department. You told us that whilst the changing facilities afforded appropriate levels of privacy and the staff treated you with respect and dignity, you had to move from the changing area to the investigation room in public view.

Following a review of the department, we have installed a privacy curtain which allows patients total cover when moving from the changing area to the examination and interview rooms.

Staff Nurse Karen Kerr & Clinical Support Worker Marie Murray said “we hope this improvement will give our patients a more comfortable experience through our clinic”.

If you have an experience of the Rapid Access Clinic that you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Patient Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk