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Feedback on Night and Day Staff at A&E – Patient Care.

Recent experience accompanying my elderly grandfather in A&E, an experience that highlighted a concerning contrast in patient care between the night and day staff.

After spending over eight hours advocating for my grandfather’s needs, I was increasingly distressed by the lack of responsiveness from the night staff. Throughout the night, several team members appeared more engaged with their mobile phones than with the patients in their care. Those staff members, identifiable by their light blue tunics, showed minimal bedside manner, often gathering in groups and engaging in casual conversations rather than attending to patients. I observed instances where they discussed personal topics and avoided interaction with patients who were visibly in pain or in need of assistance. This lack of attentiveness and professionalism was disappointing and impacted my grandfather’s comfort and well-being.

The situation changed entirely during the shift change, when a University of Wolverhampton student nurse—whom I unfortunately did not get the name of—began her shift. She was tall with brown hair, and her dedication to her role was immediately evident. Her prompt, compassionate assistance with my grandfather, who cannot bear weight on his own, was a stark contrast to the care provided overnight. Thanks to her efforts, he was finally comfortable for the first time in nine hours, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for her assistance.

While I appreciate the value of mobile phones for communication and potential use in clinical roles, it was apparent that personal usage impacted the attentiveness of the night staff. The casual attitude they displayed, along with the lack of patient engagement and empathy, raises concerns, especially for elderly patients who may not have family members to advocate for them. My grandfather is a proud, independent man, and it was challenging enough to persuade him to seek help; such an experience could easily deter him from seeking future medical attention.

In contrast, the day shift was exemplary in their approach. They communicated directly with my grandfather, listened attentively, and ensured that he was actively included in conversations about his care. Their approach exemplified the standard of patient-centered care I would expect.

I hope this feedback can be used constructively to reinforce the importance of consistent professionalism and bedside manner across all shifts. Patients and their families deserve to feel that they are in a safe, attentive environment at all hours.

Thank you for considering this feedback, and I hope that measures are taken to ensure all staff members, regardless of shift, deliver the high standard of care that patients deserve.