Princess Alexandra Hospital

What I liked

My daughter gave birth to her first baby at the Princess Alexandra Hospital recently and I attended appointments with her on several occasions immediately prior to the birth of my grandson. We came into contact with a number of departments, including the ante natal clinic, the maternal & fetal assessment unit, the ante natal ward, the labour ward and the post natal ward. I was very impressed with the thorough care and kindness my daughter received at all stages of her treatment from all staff. During the course of her labour (I was fortunate enough to be a birthing partner together with her husband) she was attended by three midwives who were wonderful. We were appreciative of the fact that each handover was conducted in front of us, so that we were fully aware of what was happening and when an emergency arose, it was handled promptly and calmIy with a happy outcome.

I do hope that the maternity services will be able to continue to provide this excellent service, as they are clearly working at full stretch.

What could have been improved

The ante natal ward at times became very noisy with both patients and visitors conducting loud telephone conversations on mobile phones.

The car park. At one stage my daughter was being seen on a daily basis, with each appointment taking up several hours. A `pay on exit' system would seem fairer, as we spent a small fortune on parking charges.

See all comments about this hospital that mention:

• Appointments,
• Car Park,
• Maternity,
• Opening hours,
• Service

Added 19 December 11

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 99659

What I liked

My daughter gave birth to her first baby at the Princess Alexandra Hospital recently and I attended appointments with her on several occasions immediately prior to the birth of my grandson. We came into contact with a number of departments, including the ante natal clinic, the maternal & fetal assessment unit, the ante natal ward, the labour ward and the post natal ward. I was very impressed with the thorough care and kindness my daughter received at all stages of her treatment from all staff. During the course of her labour (I was fortunate enough to be a birthing partner together with her husband) she was attended by three midwives who were wonderful. We were appreciative of the fact that each handover was conducted in front of us, so that we were fully aware of what was happening and when an emergency arose, it was handled promptly and calmIy with a happy outcome.

I do hope that the maternity services will be able to continue to provide this excellent service, as they are clearly working at full stretch.

What could have been improved

The ante natal ward at times became very noisy with both patients and visitors conducting loud telephone conversations on mobile phones.

The car park. At one stage my daughter was being seen on a daily basis, with each appointment taking up several hours. A `pay on exit' system would seem fairer, as we spent a small fortune on parking charges.

Added 19 December 11

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 99659

What I liked

The Princess Alexandra Hospital at Harlow should be commended for the efficient way in which my care was carried out through to the operation of my breast cancer. I and my husband fully appreciated all the information that was given throughout the whole process. I would not hesitate to inform anyone having to go through any medical situation that I had received excellent service.

See all comments about this hospital that mention:

• Breast cancer,
• Communication,
• Patient care,
• Professionalism,
• Service

Added 12 December 11

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 98962

What I liked

I was well cared for by the nursing staff and my calls to them via the call bell were always responded to promptly. Staff in the Anaesthetic room explained everything before I was put under and was given great advice by my surgeon the following day

What could have been improved

I was mindful that my bed would need to be filled around lunchtime and was likely to go home given my problem free recovery. I was told by my surgeon that I was fit for discharge ~10.30 and was given my TTAs except my antibiotic. I was told that this would be delivered by the pharmacy as there was no stock on the ward.

After it became apparent that my bed would indeed be required for a post op patient I was asked to wait in the discharge lounge which I was happy to do-the pharmacist had visited recently and was told that my antibiotic would be available "soon". This eventually came to the discharge lounge after some excellent detective work from the lounge staff but only at around 1pm!

I had organised my wife to take the time to collect me from her busy work schedule and given the occupancy crisis that currently exists within the Trust, I feel that this is an area for improvement in terms of user satisfaction. I am aware that nursing staff may not yet be able to formally discharge some patients due to their workload and responsibilties but mindful that my discharge medications could have been prepared in anticipation for this. The 90 minute delay in getting a basic medicine prior to discharge could in my opinion beeen have prevented by better pharmacy cover and the recognition at a local level of those who may be prepared for discharge earlier in anticipation of a final rubber stamp from the consultant team.

See all comments about this hospital that mention:

• Antibiotics,
• Consultants,
• Nursing staff,
• Pharmacy

Added 01 December 11

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 97824

What I liked

I was well cared for by the nursing staff and my calls to them via the call bell were always responded to promptly. Staff in the Anaesthetic room explained everything before I was put under and was given great advice by my surgeon the following day

What could have been improved

I was mindful that my bed would need to be filled around lunchtime and was likely to go home given my problem free recovery. I was told by my surgeon that I was fit for discharge ~10.30 and was given my TTAs except my antibiotic. I was told that this would be delivered by the pharmacy as there was no stock on the ward.

After it became apparent that my bed would indeed be required for a post op patient I was asked to wait in the discharge lounge which I was happy to do-the pharmacist had visited recently and was told that my antibiotic would be available "soon". This eventually came to the discharge lounge after some excellent detective work from the lounge staff but only at around 1pm!

I had organised my wife to take the time to collect me from her busy work schedule and given the occupancy crisis that currently exists within the Trust, I feel that this is an area for improvement in terms of user satisfaction. I am aware that nursing staff may not yet be able to formally discharge some patients due to their workload and responsibilties but mindful that my discharge medications could have been prepared in anticipation for this. The 90 minute delay in getting a basic medicine prior to discharge could in my opinion beeen have prevented by better pharmacy cover and the recognition at a local level of those who may be prepared for discharge earlier in anticipation of a final rubber stamp from the consultant team.

Added 01 December 11

Report this content as offensive or unsuitable comment id 97824