This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Windows

Posted By caringmy35

"Windows"

About: Sutherland Hospital

(as a carer),

For the last few months, my spouse has been in Sutherland Hospital four times. We love the atriums which are visible up three floors and when we are able, we have looked at the gardens from each floor, one with a stunning Ginko tree, one with pandas and one with a fish pond. 

Everyone said the fish pond had turtles so we would say to the staff we're just going to look for the turtles. We had been told there were five. Hmm. On the last visit we saw one! However, each time, the windows were filthy and became dirtier and dirtier - "move over I can't see"!

The gardens are beautifully maintained and this is often the only way patients can see the outside. Is it possible to get a window cleaning grant?

In my opinion, frankly, the ward windows are filthy too. Staff rush in and out but the patients can't go home.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Vicki Weeden, General Manager, The Sutherland Hospital & Garrawarra Centre 3 years ago
Vicki Weeden
General Manager,
The Sutherland Hospital & Garrawarra Centre

Submitted on 14/10/2020 at 2:53 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:13 PM

picture of Vicki Weeden

Dear caringmy35,

Thank you for writing to express your appreciation of the atrium and the gardens at Sutherland Hospital. I was pleased to hear that you finally got to see a turtle in the fish pond.

We do take pride in the appearance of our facility and I apologise for the state of the windows of both the atrium and the ward. Due to COVID-19, cleaning staff have been deployed to conduct additional cleaning of critical areas within the hospital to ensure effective infection control. This, unfortunately, has meant that other cleaning, such as windows, may take a little longer to achieve. We are in the process of employing additional cleaning staff for this reason.

I hope that you will continue to enjoy the gardens and that the outlook will improve in the future.

Best wishes,

Vicki Weeden

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by caringmy35 (a carer)

Thank you, Vicki, for your reply. I do understand your dilemma. However, cleaning on the wards was, in my opinion, generally perfunctory. So, dirty windows and dirty floors. When my spouse had to go to Sutherland [3rd time], they were distressed to be there again because the toilets in Acute Oncology Wards stank. My spouse was next to the filthy window and I believe they could still smell the urine. I took in potpourri. The last time they were going in it was another room - women got the smelly one - I wonder what they thought!

Thanks.

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k