"Recent orthopaedic surgery"

I was recently admitted to Ward 23 in Altnagelvin Hospital for surgery on my collarbone. 

I was advised to attend Wd 23 for admission the evening before planned surgery for admission. I struggled to find ward 23, as an NHS member of staff I knew where some of the new wards were but had not been on wards 21, 23, 25.  I could not see signs for ward 23 or a lift, I eventually found stairs. I am hoping it is better signposted now that the new entrance hall has been opened. 

I was met at the entrance and shown to my room where I was admitted.

Staff: I must say that the staff in ward 23, trauma co-ordinator and anaesthetic staff were excellent, sorry I don't have any memory of the theatre/recovery staff. Thankfully I don't have to access inpatient services too often and am usually the one providing the service. My admission did reinforce to me the importance of 'Hello, my name is...' as a way of indroduction, confidence building and reducing anxiety, especially when feeling vunerable. Thanks especially to; Nurses Eimer (who admitted me) and Hope on night duty, Hope was great the night after my surgery. Brittany and Sinead (who looked after me on day of surgery) and Student nurse Hannah who regularly checked my obs and that I was ok. Kerry who helped me with ADL and getting ready for home. I wish to thank Sister Cairns for calling my Mum and providing reassuance to her when I arrived back from theatre, it is difficult in these 'Covid' times when relatives can't visit and this call was invaluable. 

I also wish to congratulate her on her team, the care provided makes me proud to also be a member of staff in the NHS. SN Tasha who was the theatre nurse was efficient and reassuring. Thanks also to Kim (pharmacist) Shannon (physio) and Martina (phlebotomist). Many thanks to the medical team for undertaking my surgery, I am hoping to make a good recovery and get back to regular exercise - maybe I'll skip running for a while. 

Room: The new ward is lovely, rooms are spacious and clean. It was disappointing that the TV on the arm didn't work, it just kept flashing and stating that it couldn't download. I couldn't get it turned off and it flashed in the dark so I had to cover it with a towel. Unfortunately the TVs always seem to be an issue as both SWAH and OHPCC have issues, it is a pity mistakes could not be learned from these units and working systems installed.  I wasn't in for long but could understand if I was in longer it would be frustrating. I was told by the domestic staff that the TVs only worked on the top floor. 

Food: Eimer made me tea and toast on admission, which was very welcome then I fasted so by 5pm the day after surgery, I was hungry and the evening meal was very welcome and tasty - though the potatoes had a strange 'skin' on them that didn't mash. The catering assistants were pleasant, however I was only given a cup of tea at suppertime after surgery. It is important that patients should be offered biscuits or toast or perhaps a scone - nutrition is so important for recovery and especially when patients have fasted pre surgery as well as the fact that with no visitors bringing in snacks the importance of snacks and the role of the catering assistant in providing and encouraging intake should be emphasized as part of patients recovery. 

Allergy: When asked (on a number of occasions)  I advised that I was allergic to the adhesive in plasters. Unfortunately an adhesive dressing was applied in theatre. I did not know this and was advised to attend treatment room for a check on Monday post surgery. By Sunday I had notable inflammation, blistering and itch. As I didn't know what the wound was like under dressing and didn't have any sterile dressings at home I had to attend Urgent care in OHPCC who removed the dressing, placed an non adhesive dressing onto wound and provided anti-histamines. I had a number of difficult days with itch and discomfort and required an antibiotic (GP was concerned that blistering and ooze would infect wound) and stronger antihistamine from GP. The redness and itch have now reduced. It is important that when advised that the patient has an allergy to the adhesive (colophony) in dressings that this is taken onboard as the consequences are very unpleasant. 

Overall the service was really good and I don't want this review to take away from that, however I do hope my suggestions are taken onboard to improve the service for future service users.