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Surgery wait

Posted By Ashyy85

"Surgery wait"

About: Antrim Area Hospital / Theatres Antrim Area Hospital / Ward C4 Male Surgical

(as a relative),

Uncle was told surgery would take place, so fasting and off meds since 12am on the morning the surgery was planned.

Was not taken for surgery and fasted all day. Was offered tea and toast at supper time but told to fast again on the next day.

At 5pm the next day, still no update on surgery, despite nurse asking several times via phone and even going up to theatres.

Theatre staff would not come speak to family or update us.  Uncle was fasting close to 48 hours! 

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Responses

Response from Michelle McFerran, Ward Manager, C4, NHSCT last month
Michelle McFerran
Ward Manager, C4,
NHSCT

Submitted on 27/02/2025 at 14:53
Published on Care Opinion at 16:58

Hello Ashyy85,

My name is Michelle McFerran and I am the ward manager of ward C4. Firstly let me apologize that you have had a negative experience within our surgical ward, as we always strive to deliver a high standard of care to our patients and their families. Without knowing the exact details of your uncles case it is difficult to answer this care opinion, however, unfortunately, emergency theatres can be under immense pressure at times, and so procedures have to be delayed, as other cases are potentially more critical or time sensitive.

We do not take the decision to postpone any procedure lightly, and often we keep patients fasting in the hope that they can still get to theatre if time allows, and, this can sometimes lead to a longer period of fasting. I hope your uncle had his procedure and is recovering.

thank you for taking the time to leave this care opinion, I will ensure it is shared with the team

Regards

Sr Michelle McFerran

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Ashyy85 (a relative)

Unfortunately he was left fasting for three full days, only told at the end of the day that there would be no surgery space, then told the following day he won’t be having surgery. They said it’s not the kind of surgery they like to do over the weekend as there’s not much staff on. They prefer more staff around incase any complications. Surely this should have been told to the family on the Friday instead of him fasting and waiting into the weekend.

After no surgery, he remained on the ward until finally he was moved to a medical ward. During the time in C4 his medical needs were severely overlooked! The tissue viability team stated the wound was to be dressed twice daily using specialist pads. Not only was there no specialist pads available, the wound was not changed twice daily. I was personally told that doing this is not viable in this ward, as they were too busy! Surely his medical requirements are essential!

Our whole contact our family has had with C4 has been absolutely ridiculous. I can only thank God my uncle has now been removed from this ward.

Response from Michelle McFerran, Ward Manager, C4, NHSCT last month
Michelle McFerran
Ward Manager, C4,
NHSCT

Submitted on 28/02/2025 at 16:32
Published on Care Opinion at 16:32

Hello Ashyy85,

again, I apologize that you have had a poor experience within the ward, and without knowing all the details it is difficult to answer your frustrations with regards to the wait times, dressings, and conversations with nursing and medical staff, however it seems that it has caused great distress to you and your family, and for this I apologize. If you would like the matter fully investigated you are welcome to make a complaint with the trust and I would be happy to review the case:

Complaints/Service User Feedback Department Bush House Bush Road ANTRIM BT41 2QB Telephone: 028 9442 4655 E-mail: user.feedback@northerntrust.hscni.net

I am glad you are more satisfied with the care your uncle is now receiving and wish him a continued recovery.

regards

Sr Michelle McFerran

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