Morriston Hospital Swansea N H S Trust

My partner underwent elective surgery at the hospital early this morning. Shortly before 1pm I telephoned to enquire about his welfare. A switchboard operator transferred me to the A and E department where all lines were busy. Some time later I called again and was, for the second time, transferred... Read more to A and E. Once more an automated response reaffirmed that calls were not being taken and that in any case the information on hand related only to patients admitted to that department. A third call to the hospital resulted in my being transferred to the Information Desk, a dubious privilege, given that there was no one there to pick up the phone. Five minutes later, I rang the hospital again and, before I could protest, was again transferred to the unattended (and misnamed) Information desk. Only on my fifth call, when my exasperation was discernible, did I encounter the first switchboard operator willing to help. She hasarded a guess as to the appropriate ward and, by good luck, I at last found someone able to deal with my enquiry. My local hospital in Aberystwyth is not without its shortcomings but at least provision is made there to deal efficiently - and sympathetically - with patients' next-of-kin: a name is normally enough for his or her whereabouts to be located. Morriston Horspital may have high clinical standards, but its treatment of enquirers is as unsympathetic as it is shambolic. A grudging one star. Show less

I had an operation carried out on 28th August at Morriston Hospital and was in ward J room 6.I would like to thank all the staff in that ward from the cleaner to the nurses and sisters for their care,concern and attentiveness.Nothing was too much trouble and I can only praise them for the way that... Read more they run that ward.Also thanks to Mr Redfern for his efficient medical attention.
One thing that stood out for me is the amount of paperwork that the staff have to carry out.As I was in room 6 I was facing the working desk of the nurses and the amount of time spent in double writing of patients reports was so demanding and I am sure from speaking to the nurses time wasting (although important).In these times of technology and I understand financial pressures are a concern why does each bed not have an I pad where all the medical information can be entered which would automatically be transferred onto the main computer thereby alieviating the need for nurses to go through paperwork in a file by the patient and then going back to the workstation and again writing a report on that same patient?All the blood pressures,tablets,injections and tests and reports could be accessed at the touch of a button and would ensure that nurses do nursing duties not administration duties.
Obviously there would be a one off cost,however this would soon be repaid in other ways.Saving time and more patient care are obvious ones.
This does not take away the great treatment that I received and is only an observation that I feel would help the general nursing profession.
A reply from the Chief Executive of Morriston Hospital on this suggestion would be appreciated.

Again thanks to Ward J,you were excellent. GarethHarries. Show less