Following Lisa's report on writing to the Chief Exec of the hospital, I would also like to share something about speaking up in order to make changes happen (hopefully!)
Four weeks ago I was wheeled into the Heamatology dept's day unit following a blood result that said I was HGB 5. I felt awful and was handed over to a staff nurse whom I have had issues with before. Bascially she is so personally stressed, her treatment is full of rude bravado, joking at other people's expense, aggressively sticking needles and thermometers in ... when I asked for a cup of tea (after hours in there with nothing) was told in front of everyone 'Do you think I have nothing better to do than make YOU a cup of tea!' When the mug came it had Mad Cow written on it!
Anyway I decided to write about my concerns for this woman as she was obviously very stressed and have had the most amazing response ... just what I would have wished if I had spelled it out. She is receiving attention from her manager weekly in order to talk over personal problems. The dept can get professional councelling for her if she needs it. She was given a couple of days rest and can do so again if she needs it. The dept thanked me for allowing them to re look at their professionality and procedures. Another staff nurse is being promoted so she can oversee things when the manager is off. I had brilliant meetings with her manager and everything has turned out for the best.
All I wanted was to be able to go into the Day Unit at any time and feel happy and respected there! I am really impressed with the hospial's procedures and encourage you to speak up if things can be improved - especially when it comes to treating eachother (staff and patients alike) with kindness and respect.