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Rehab courtyard

Posted By decembertn59

"Rehab courtyard"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / State Rehabilitation Service Wards A&B, Wards 1A& 2A

(as the patient),

I am a current patient on ward 1A at the state rehab service. Most patients are long stay, 6-9 months, so we have a washing machine to do our washing. We can then hang our washing on the clothesline in the courtyard, which is accessed via the patient dining room. Unfortunately there is an electronic automatic door to the courtyard, which is turned off at 6pm daily. As with most people in the community I do my washing after dinner as I am too busy with physio and OT during the day, at which time I don't have access to the courtyard to hang out my washing. The courtyard is on the first floor, and you are unable to leave the building through the courtyard. I can not find any logical reason to restrict access to the courtyard at anytime, especially at 6pm. Could we allow access to the courtyard until at least 10pm, if not 24 hours access. 

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Responses

Response from Nyrene Jackson, Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group last month
Nyrene Jackson
Acting Executive Director,
Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group

Submitted on 27/12/2024 at 11:34 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 4:15 PM

picture of Nyrene Jackson

Dear decembertn59,

Thanks for your observation and feedback regarding washing line access in our State Rehabilitation Service (SRS).

Access to the building is carefully managed to maintain safety of patients and staff to meet the needs of all patients within the building. I apologise for the impact it has on your individual situation.

Nursing staff can help you access this area to hang your washing after 6pm. Alternatively they may assist you to manage your time around your rehabilitation therapies to allow for laundering of clothes, understanding this is just one of many functional necessities you will be needing to manage independently after discharge.

I hope your rehabilitation is progressing well.

Kind regards,

Nyrene Jackson,

A/Executive Director

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Update posted by decembertn59 (the patient)

Thanks for your response Nyrene, but unfortunately it doesn't really make sense to me. The building can be accessed from the courtyard at anytime, the door doesn't lock from the outside. So locking the door from the inside is not limiting access to the building at all. The issue is getting out to the courtyard from the building, and I don't see how this could be a safety issue.

I know its possible to get a staff member to let me out, but they are already so busy that its often hard to find a staff member with the time to let me out.

Response from Neil Doverty, Executive Director Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group, South Metropolitan Health Service last month
Neil Doverty
Executive Director Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service

Submitted on 2/01/2025 at 1:59 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 2:13 PM

picture of Neil Doverty

Dear decembertn59,

We appreciate your feedback and it’s been shared with the leadership team for the State Rehabilitation Service and Ward 1A. The ability of afterhours staff to manage shared space collocated to SRS wards is the main driver to the timing and function of these access points.

Expanding access to the courtyard during off- hours would reduce staff ability to respond to urgent clinical needs. Additionally, in the past, increased access has led to behavioural issues that divert staff attention away from patient care. The current 6pm closure supports our patients nighttime care routines and ensure our staff can fully focus on providing the necessary support to those who require assistance during this time.

I am sorry this restricts your movements to this area and appreciate your understanding.

Kind Regards,

Neil Doverty

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