Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

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.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2024-04-18 Person 5 5 0

My initial care was in a high dependency unit, and after that I was cared for on Ward 130. The staff were amazingly helpful and supportive, both to myself as a patient, and in the early stages to my family who spent their days at the hospital. I could not have been better cared for.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2024-04-16 Person 5 5 0

Exceptional Care in a Time of Need I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude and admiration for the exceptional care provided by DR C. TURNBULL, who attended to my son at the Emergency Department of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh on Saturday, 13 April 2024. My son was the unfortunate victim of a street attack, and in our hour of need, we found solace and support in Dr Turnbull’s dedicated and professional attitude, made manifest in her unwavering commitment to my son's care. Her meticulous and thorough examinations were conducted with the utmost professionalism, ensuring that no stone was left unturned in assessing the severity of my son's wounds. What stood out to me was not just her exceptional medical expertise, but also her empathetic approach. She treated my son with kindness and respect, making sure he was comfortable throughout the process. Her dedication to her patients’ wellbeing is truly commendable. I cannot thank her enough for her outstanding service and for the peace of mind she gave us during this stressful time. Her exemplary performance is a testament to the quality of care provided at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. I am truly grateful for her service and I believe she is a truly valuable asset to the hospital. I can only be deeply thankful to Dr Turnbull for providing such extraordinary care when we needed it the most.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2024-01-18 Person 4 5 0

Transplant and Renal wards (206) provide exceptional care . The staff , although extremely busy, always made me feel that they had time to speak with me and explain both what they were doing and why. The care I received was exceptional and follow up appointments were timely , organised and the nursing staff under charge nurses Sam, Amy and Julie, worked closely as a team to provide great care for all the patients in their care.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2023-12-08 Person 4 5 0

It is vital that a rule should be made about banning smoking within 600 yards of the entrance to the hospital.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2023-11-29 Person 2 5 0

I was a patient at the royal infirmary when I was in my thirties because the couldn't fit a coil in the outpatient appointment I needed to be put under anesthesia . I can't believe to this day that the NHS still think its acceptable to fit a coil into a woman's uterus in such a what I can only describe as a barbaric and very invasive way without any form of pain relief this needs to stop it's inhumane to put woman through so much pain in this day and age. But of course this is all about money and it's okay to put woman through so much pain. When I was put under anesthesia and I woke up I was in a lot of pain I was informed that the pain would eventually subside well the pain didn't so to my horror when I called Edinburgh royal infirmary hospital the nurse on the other end of the phone was clearly annoyed I call as I was in so much pain and her attitude towards me was maybe you have clamydia I could not believe what I was hearing I've just had invasive surgery and that was her answer I've only ever been with one man and I'm still with my husband 35years married this was disgusting way to talk to a patient who was in dreadful pain from having a coil fitted . Anywa 4 weeks later still suffering from pain went to my GP she had a look and it turned the surgeon who fitted the coil did not fit the coil properly and the GP took the coil out which was a bit more painful and stingy and to my relief the pain eventually went away . I would like to thank the nurse for not caring and saying such a disgusting thing to me after undergoing an invasive procedure that left me in dreadful pain for weeks. The attitude of some of the so called professionals is dreadful there supposed to care but they don't. I would not recommend this hospital at all. I'm now attending st John's to see if I have endometrium cancer and I have my procedure done next week and so far they could not be nicer and very caring but I'm still dreading this invasive procedure.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2023-09-14 Person 1 5 0

It’s very clear by reading the reviews on this page that they are very carefully selected to make things look better than they really are in wards at the Royal Infirmary Edinburgh. I spent most of the year in/ out visiting my mother who was a patient. 4 different wards my mother was in an all of them were not up to standard as one would expect. Staff who are so rude and do not care about their patients. Senior charge nurses in 3 of the wards who have no clue of what’s actually going on in their ward , when approaching them and highlighting things that are happening they only see you as causing trouble. I watched in great detail of how patients were being treated, with no respect and dignity. Charge nurses doing their rounds with medication, dropping tablets on the floor and not picking them up, leaving medication on patient’s bed trolly, apparently because the patient refused to take it. Patients falling out of bed, which happened so many times in every ward I visited. You barely see a cleaner, when you do it’s.a quick dry mop around the beds and back out. There are so many staff who are not qualified to do jobs they are requested to do. I am certainly one person that would refuse to be taken to this hospital. It’s a shambles that there are senior charge nurses running these wards that are still employed and being paid to sit in an offices and when visitors or patients complain they are not taking seriously. Their attitude is my staff are under a lot of pressure. Time the hospital manager took control of this hospital and cleared out a big majority of their staff. The way many staff talk to patients it’s no wonder patients respond to them the same way. It’s well know there’s a shortage of staff but the staff that are there should be qualified and respect the patients. Staff are employed to do a job and do it correctly. It’s obvious the head is allowing this behaviour to continue as thing’s never change and constant complaints keep being reported but not logged for the head to see or find out how bad thing’s really are on the wards. There are many good staff but there aren’t a lot more that should not be working in this sector, that also includes doctors. How good staff can ignore what they are really seeing what goes on and keep quiet, they should be ashamed of themselves, that includes Senior charge nurses, they are the reason why this is still going on. Can only finish with saying, absolutely shambles and disgrace the people being paid big bucks are ignoring what’s actually going on. How they can go home and sleep at night is beyond me. I guess this honest review will not be published, due to embarrassment on their behalf.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2023-07-20 Person 1 5 0

Horrible hospital that’s dirty and full of many unprofessional uncaring nurses ruining any decent care that goes on their time to get midwife’s back.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2023-06-19 Person 5 5 0

I was admitted to ward 130 in the DCN building for emergency microdiscectomy surgery on Saturday 17/6/23. The care and treatment I received was nothing short of excellence. A special thanks to Sharon esson( deputy charge nurse) and her team for taken great care of me. Steve Demarco

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 2023-06-16 Person 1 5 0

I just remembered to add to my review. As a MH and overdose patient, one doctor bluntly said to me that if my liver fails because of all the overdoses, then i would not be eligible for a transplant. He might be a liver doctor but hasn't got a clue about MH. I would refuse a liver operation as i know that the damage done is my fault. I don't deserve a new liver and i don't want one. The whole point is to cease existing...why would i prolong that ? The doctors keep your body alive but do nothing....absolutely nothing for the mental agony that lies at the heart of suicide attempts. They leave you in mental torment and congratulate themselves on a job well done. I have lived 3 years since i nearly died, furious every day that they did not respect my choice to die. They have kept me alive to suffer a continuous mental hell and refuse to do anything to help ease the daily agony. The hippocratic oath is an out dated and perverse belief. It is cruel to keep someone alive and do nothing whatsoever for their mental torture. Life at all cost is morally wrong. When my late father died, he had to actively fight to die. He stopped eating to speed up the process. It was horrific to see, yet the staff maintained the life at all cost policy. They put my poor father through unnecessary suffering and i will never forgive them for that. As Voltaire once said.....doctors give medicines of which they know little, to people about which they know even less . The whole system needs overhauled and how we are treated is a disgrace.