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Relative Room in ED

Posted By statusww79

"Relative Room in ED"

About: Sale Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a relative),

A family member was a patient in the emergency department, Dr Danielle was very thorough and kept us updated. 

However, I went to make my parent (another visitor) a cup of tea in relatives room, which is the only place you can get a drink within the emergency department, to find the sign in the door said it was being used. 

I knocked and waited for a response, did not hear anything so slowly went in. 

There appeared to be a consult going on in the relatives room. I felt extremely uncomfortable and can’t imagine how uncomfortable this would be for the patient who was in discussion with a doctor in the relatives room. 

I think it’s extremely inappropriate to have the one room within the emergency department that is for families to take a break from what could potentially be a stressful and emotionally charged situation with their families being used by doctors to consult with a patient, thus making you feel worse. 

There is surely multiple rooms within the hospital close by that would be more appropriate so everyone feels comfortable and confidentiality is maintained. 

I understand there is works going on within the emergency department at present - however I believe the relatives room has been used in this manner long before the works started. 

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Responses

Response from Mandy Pusmucans, Director of Nursing, Sale, Central Gippsland Health 8 months ago
Mandy Pusmucans
Director of Nursing, Sale,
Central Gippsland Health

Submitted on 9/08/2024 at 8:00 AM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 9:13 AM

picture of Mandy Pusmucans

Dear statusww79

My name is Mandy Pusmucans and I am the Director of Nursing at Sale Hospital.

Thank you for your kind words about Dr Danielle which we will pass on.

I am sorry that your family member has been unwell and do hope that they are feeling much better now.

Regarding your concerns about the use of the relative's room, I am sorry that this was an uncomfortable experience for you. Whilst CGHS does have spaces for use by relatives and others, including the room in the Emergency Department, at times the team need to utilise these spaces in their efforts to support the specific needs of our various patients, relatives and visitors. Inherently this does have some impact on others, as you have experienced. And as you say, it is more challenging at present with the building works that are occurring.

I thank you for your patience and acknowledge the challenges. The nursing team are keen and able to assist in providing your loved one with refreshments if required.

Regarding the building project, the builders have been working hard to complete this significant project and we anticipate that this stage of the building works will be complete by the end of the year.

If you wish to discuss this further please don't hesitate to make contact and provide more detail. You can reach me on 03-5143 8512 or by email at mandy.pusmucans@cghs.com.au

Again, thank you for raising your concerns and I hope to hear from you.

Kind regards

Mandy

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