Accident and emergency report, Isle of Wight
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In November 2016 Healthwatch Isle of Wight completed two Enter and View visits to St Mary’s Hospital, Newport Accident and Emergency Department. The purpose of the visit was to gather patient experiences regarding communication, discharge, diagnosis and patient pathways. 113 surveys were completed which enabled them to conclude that:
• 50% of people tried another service first
• 41% of people tried to remedy the problem themselves
• 50% of people tried NHS 111 before attending the Accident and Emergency Department
• NHS 111 advised 93% of people that called them to go to the Accident and Emergency Department
• 14% of people visited the Accident and Emergency Department in the last month with the same problem
• 81% felt their needs were assessed straight away or very quickly
• 74% of people were not given a clear idea of the likely waiting times
• 70% of people felt that waiting arrangements were appropriate for their needs
Recommendations were:
1. During initial triage process at A&E, patients should be offered a pain assessment and if required, pain relief offered at the earliest opportunity.
2. During initial triage assessment, A&E staff should give patients a general indication of the expected wait time to be seen and reasons why this may change.
3. After being triaged, patients should be kept informed of the length of time they may be expected to wait to be seen, particularly if the department is very busy.
4. A suitable area in the department should be accessible for children with toys and games and equipment maintained and ready to use.
5. A secluded or more private area should be offered to those patients whose dignity may be compromised when accessing the department.
6. All test results should be communicated to the patient as well as their GP without delay
No provider responses are included in this report.