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Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2024-04-22 Person 1 5 0

If I was basing this review on only certain staff, ths overall score would be higher. Was in for 7 nights - 6 on 102 (cardiothoracic) and 1 on 112 (HDU) On 112 immediately post op, Anshu (I hope the spelling is correct) was an absolute angel. Treated me with dignity and respect, and they were mindful to ask/check where to touch when handling me (commode transfer etc), asking if I wanted my cup passed to me or for them to hold when I wanted a sip. 5 stars would be underselling the care received by this lady. 10* minimum Pity that their dayshift counterpart (whom I won't name here) was completely opposite and, if I could give a minus rating, it would be -5. Buzzer to call for assistance was left out of reach when they left the area for break (this was less than 13 hours post-op and i don't mean slightly out of reach, I am talking about 4 feet away and I could not stand or stretch ). They also didn't bother explaining that a large lump of bloody phlegm was not a worry if a patient has been intubated, just walked away after dismissing my obvious concern. Put their hand round my 'wound site' instead of asking where (if anywhere) they could touch me/if I needed steadying. I had a chest drain and surgical redivac drain with tubing inserted, as well as a medication Syringe pump attached to cannula...didn't watch where they were stepping, knocked over the redivac drain (which wad later discivered to be broken), pulled on the tubing from the medical syringe machine to the cannula which then did not dispense the painkiller evenly/properly and constantly shut down with error codes for the next 16 hours. 102 - I would be here forever if I included complaints, considering I spent 6 nights in that hellhole. So, will tslk only if good nursing staff. Angel of 102 was Band 2 (HCSW/nurses helper) Susan (Friday and Saturday nightshift). Like Anshu from 112, I would be underselling their care with 5*, and for the same reasons. I was treated with dignity and respect, handled with care and consideration and - most of all - was BELIEVED when I said I could not breathe and walk at same time. Staff Nurses Amy (with child who loves balloons) and Nicky - both listened to my concerns without prejudice, reassured me I woyld bectaken seriously, made me feel human again (Amy for the shower, when I had no ability to breathe and move at same time) and Nicky was the recipient of what must have seemed to be a phsychotic rant and general complaint. They slso handled a dusruptive patient so well, I got to sleep for the first time in 3 nights. Mhairi, Lee, Paula, Kirsty, Callum (? ) Steven and Duncan all very decent also. As well as Trainee Ambulance Tech from QMU, Chloe, who took time to listen to and reassure a dementia patient they did not need to pay to stay in hospital and just let the lady talk. Outside HCSW Steven and Nurses Amy and Nicky, that was the most care and compassion that patient had been shown. Majority of Doctors and Consultants seemed to go to great lengths to avoid talking to patients, choosing instead to talk about them as if they were not sitting/lying within earshot. On last full day, rounds in 4 bed bay done, except one patient ( not me). A while later a different Dr or consulting team came in, stood at bottom of MY bed and the lead started 'This patient had xxxx surgery with xxxx results and I think we should do xxxx. I shook my head, pointed at my name board, then over to the CORRECT patient, but terrifies me to think what could have gone wrong .... I was twice prescribed meds (non essential) without the clinical team talking to me and asking if I was okay taking them, which I was not. All in all, even with the positives from exceptional, great and good staff, not enough to redeem the actions of the bad. At least 4 Staff Nurses on ward 102 need to change profession , as care setting is not for them.