Reader Julie writes:I was interested to see the BBC's South East Today programme coming live from Margate's QEQM hospital yesterday, especially as I have a relative who has been there for a few weeks. I was not surprised to see patients saying how marvellous everything was as ill people are often very grateful for whatever treatment they get. However I visit my elderly mother every day and can tell a different story. She has been left in soiled clothing for several hours, and chairs where she has been sitting in soiled garments have subsequently not been cleaned for days. Heart monitor alarms at nursing stations seem to be regularly ignored as the leads come off patients so frequently the staff can no longer be bothered to check whether it is a real emergency. On Thursday they carried out a thorough cleaning inspection but this seems to have been for the benefit of the cameras arriving the following day since my mother had never seen them do it before. I know the place has improved a lot and I am generally a supporter of the NHS but what I have seen has made me fearful for my mother's recovery.
Well, Julie, what you have witnessed is probably a one-off and I'm sure your mother is being well cared for. I personally would not have a word said against the NHS as they have saved my life on numerous occasions. Why, only last year when I was diagnosed with skin cancer (too much fun in the Caribbean sun!), my GP immediately rushed me past a nine month NHS waiting list to a private consultant in Canterbury. By paying out of my own pocket I also relieved them of the substantial burden of having to cough up for a highly-paid specialist! Now that's what I call a health service!
11 comments:
I was in Margate Hospital for two weeks 2 years a go during which I had an abdominal operation. I can't think of any real issues apart from steamed dryish food which I couldn't eat for 10 days anyway! The nursing staff cleared up after me on several occasions I barfed across the ward floor, and changed my bed sheets when my bowels took on a life of their own.
I have four children all born there and have had to use it quite a bit I would say that I have found it to be as good or better than the hospitals I have used in other areas.
Julie I think you ought to complain as this doesn’t seem to reflect the standards I have seen in the rest of the hospital. I would recommend raising the issue with your MP and Jane Baker the Complaints Manager, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital, St Peters Road, Margate, CT9 4AN
I went to them with a heart problem it took them a year to investigate it before finally concluding they did not know what was wrong with me and sending me away with a prescription for a few pills to take should it happen again...
errgh... must dash off to the pharmacist now I'm feeling a little queasy agai
Thank you for the advice Michael I shall write to them.
Julie
again no complaints on recent stay in Rainbow ward - all seemed very clean, although no-one cleaned at the weekend. Nursing staff couldnt have been better.
There is far too much mush and sentiment associated with people's views of the NHS. Vast sums are spent on the NHS and we (the tax-paying public) have a right to expect it to be run efficiently and effectively. Far too often, I read letters from people praising nursing staff who are just doing the job they are paid to do. People should expect high standards and should complain when they don't get them.
I went in there the other day and it seemed pretty clean to me.
It was a bit rough though - there were sick people everywhere!!!
6:17 reasonable remarks as long as when someone has cause to complain they avoid arrogancy and rudeness in doing so. My wife works for an optician and some people speak to her like the state owes them something when what they want they aren't actually entitled to. Then they get shirty.
I have only reported what I saw as I said I am generally a supporter of the NHS but have been quite shocked over the past few weeks. I have politely taken these issues up with staff at the time and I must say they have immediately addressed them but not without a certain amount of 'rolling of the eyes' as if I was making a fuss about nothing.
Julie
1:08 I don't agree with being rude and arrogant. However, this is the way in modern Britain. It starts in the homes with parents who don't have any regard or respect for their neighbours, the law and anyone else in a position of authority. This attitude is transmitted to their kids who go off to practice in school before unleashing their obnoxious selves on the rest of society. Lack of respect is a disease that is killing Britain.
The problem is that gobshites get their own way and they know it. Anyone who sits and waits their turn gets what's left, if anything. It's crucial that those in positions of trust and responsibility stand up to these horrible people and don't let them queue-jump over quieter and more polite people.
You could be talking about the gruesome twosome who head up our council there!
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