Share review of The Royal Marsden Hospital (Chelsea)

The Royal Marsden Hospital (Chelsea) 2020-12-07 Person 4 5 0

After a stressful and long journey to arrive , I am treated with friendly staff, however I understand the need for confidentiality ,I find the requirement to give hospital number at reception impersonal and the start of feeling like I am in a cattle market. Then comes the blood test where I am a letter. Having my PICC line dressing changed and bloods taken open in a small room with another patient is I find also impersonal and is certainly no confidentiality happening at that moment. Next the healthcare assistant calls my name and my weight ,blood pressure and general observations are taken Openly in front of the MDU . No cleaning or single use blood pressure cuff evident between patients. Then the wait for Doctor, no one communicates they are running late , then I am ushered in a small room and still one explains how long roughly the Doctor will arrive. Going to hospital alone is scary and stressful and I really dread every appointment. When I see the doctor and nurses they are always pleasant and kind but I also find economical with the truth when asked direct questions. I am normally too stressed and tired at this point, being alone to ask or rephrase my questions, as all I want todo is get out and breathe some fresh air. The actual chemotherapy room is larger and not as claustrophobic ,but very chaotic and noisy. The nursing staff always calm and efficient. The only nurse who makes time to talk and is both kind and informative is the sister who is in charge of teaching other nurses I think in private wing unfortunately her name escapes me right now. I also attend the Marsden in Sutton and find the whole experience from CT scanning ,blood tests,,PICC line team ,outpatients reception team SisterCatherine ,front entrance and MDU welcoming and friendly. Completely different experience and I wishI could have my chemotherapy treatment there. It is also only an hour journey and easier all round d with parking and costs involved .

More privacy Maybe more staff in pharmacy as chemo is always delayed, which causes traffic jam issues and following day district nurse will still come at same time even if chemo was put up an hour late and still running. There is always a long queue for pharmacy so assume they are very busy and short staffed. More regular cleaning bathrooms. Named nurse tocare for individuals for continuity and more interest in individual patient. Nurse specialist Alison to understand she should wear a mask in private room with patients.