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Restless nights

Posted By triangulumrt76

"Restless nights"

About: Swan Hill District Hospital

(as the patient),

I attended A&E Swan Hill transferred to a larger hospital, then on to a metropolitan hospital, Melb. They removed my lower leg then back to the larger hospital then back to Swan Hill. 1st night had a very restless night. Every night since the patient next to me woke me time and time again. Had to listen every night to their swearing and abuse to all nurses and security. They were loud and it seemed no one could settle them. I believe so many patients were frightened by this patient. It appeared that no one seemed to be restricted in what they could to keep us safe.

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Responses

Response from Chloe Keogh, Executive Director of Clinical Care, Executive Offices, Swan Hill District Health nearly 2 years ago
Chloe Keogh
Executive Director of Clinical Care, Executive Offices,
Swan Hill District Health

Overall responsibility for the running of the health service, reports to the Board of Management. Acting for 3.5 months to replace Long Service Leave.

Submitted on 24/04/2023 at 2:24 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:21 PM

picture of Chloe Keogh

Hi triangulumrt76,

It is so disappointing for us here at Swan Hill District Health that you had such a difficult time at nights on your stepped down care in Swan Hill. After your health care journey, which was very long and arduous to go from our ED to a regional hospital and then onto a metropolitan hospital and then those same transitions back again, I am sure you were looking to have a good night sleep when you were back so much closer to home after all that travel, only to be awoken by another patient repeatedly.

Abuse, swearing, physical violence towards another person is not acceptable in any setting, and this is the same in hospitals. All staff - health care workers and security sadly are well trained in de-escalating abuse from patients (and sometimes family members), but this doesn't mean it always stops the abuse, or lessens the impact of the abuse. I am so sorry that you and the other patients had to witness this abuse and that you felt frightened by it. We do everything we can in our power to try and ensure people have an environment that feels safe and conducive to healing in their recovery from illness and sometimes it is just impossible.

Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience. We will continue to try and place people in rooms that are as quiet as possible. Please do not hesitate to speak to the staff if you feel that you are not safe or scared in hospital. I do hope that you are recovering well now, and you do not need another hospital visit, however please reach out if you do and if we could make your stay any more pleasant to aid recovery.

Kind Regards

Chloe

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