"Confidentiality and Nurses Working Conditions"

I had a recent day surgical visit to Royal Perth Hospital, the level of knowledge and expertise I was treated with was exemplary and I would return to the hospital on the basis of this.  The admissions process however concerned me. On admission, myself and eight others were placed in chairs around the outside of a four bed ward, partners were offered no seating and so were standing seemingly leaving patients in the chairs overlooked.  The nurses had to squeeze around 2 beds in the centre of the room, the partners and the equipment - I believe this poses an accident waiting to happen. The nurses also had to kneel on the floor to perform some duties, I feel this poses an infection risk, kneeling on the floor where people have walked in their outside footwear, then leaning over people in beds in the same clothing.  I felt compassion for the nurses having to work in these conditions, they did so without complaint.

Each patient was taken through the admission process, having to state, personal details and what procedure they were in for. It appeared there was no way for the nurses to allow confidentiality in this process. This shocked me and I felt that there is a lack of respect for people’s personal journey. Not everyone wishes for their medical details to be shared with the other 14 people the room.

As I said, the admission nurse's care was good and everything after the admission process was carried out in a professional manner.  I just felt that too many people are squeezed in a small area with the admissions process. There was an empty waiting area on the way in, perhaps it would be better to seat patients in there and take them to the beds as they are required. This would free up room, improve the nurses working conditions and the confidentiality of the patients.