During my admission to the ward recently i was in alot of pain and was very stressed and sick. Another patient came in the next day later and was put in the bed opposite mine. I felt they displayed highly disruptive behaviour throughout the day and night. I recall they were verbally abusive toward nursing staff, yelling and swearing repeatedly, and this continued until approximately 3am. As a patient who was unwell and in pain, the lack of sleep and ongoing disturbance caused me significant distress — as it did for the other patients around me im sure, as this patient was so loud .
When I asked the patient to please keep the noise down so we could all sleep, they responded with aggressive and offensive language directed at me. The patient then woke again at 6:30am yelling obscene language and again targeting me as i told themto be quiet from that night which caused me further anxiety and upset.
As a result of the sustained stress and sleep deprivation, I suffered an anxiety attack.
I was also informed by nursing staff that this patient was known to be as a frequent visitor. If this is the case, I would question why a behaviour management plan was not already in place to minimise the impact on other vulnerable patients sharing the ward about 13 of us.
I understand that patients with mental health conditions require compassionate care, and I have no wish to minimise that. However, I believe the situation was not managed in a way that protected the other vulnerable patients in the ward, including myself i hope i never have to go there for care again i was more stressed when i left.
I note that Geraldton Regional Hospital has a Zero Tolerance policy regarding disruptive behaviour. I would appreciate clarification on how this policy applies when the impact is on patients, and what procedures are in place to manage such situations more promptly in future.
"Disruptive Patient causing stress"
About: Geraldton Hospital / General Ward Geraldton Hospital General Ward Geraldton 6530
Posted by waltzkx67 (as ),
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