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

Communication and Access

Posted By volansbc78

"Communication and Access"

About: Northam Health Service / Emergency Department

(as a service user),

In my opinion, the emergency department clerks are positioned incorrectly. 

They sit on the far left of the desk space which means when you're in a wheelchair you can not see or speak to them clearly. I feel it also makes it very easy for people in the Waiting area to hear my personal details.

I believe they should be positioned on the far right of the desk space. In my opinion, this position is designed so that people in a wheelchair can effectively communicate with them. 

The buttons that open and close the doors to the area where we wait to speak with the first nurse are also there. I feel surely it makes more sense.

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

Responses

Response from Jenny Lee, Manager Clinical Services, Northam Health Service, WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt 2 years ago
We have made a change
Jenny Lee
Manager Clinical Services, Northam Health Service,
WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt

Submitted on 24/06/2021 at 11:07 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 11:53 AM

picture of Jenny Lee

Dear volansbc78,

Thank you for your feedback regarding the positioning of the clerical officers in the Northam Hospital Emergency Department following your recent visit.

I have reviewed the area today together with the Clinical Nurse Manager and clerical staff. There are 2 areas at the reception designed specifically to meet access requirements for the disabled / those in wheelchairs. The area positioned immediately in front of the entrance doors is for the Triage Nurse. This location is necessary to ensure that anyone seeking assistance from the Emergency Department is seen and assessed in the first instance by the Triage Nurse, and is consistent with current standards for Emergency departments.

The second disabled space is used for both clerical officers and as a second triage space when the department is busy. However, on review, we have identified that at times the clerical staff are not utilising the area for this intended role. The clerical staff have been reminded to ensure this space is used at all times for disabled or wheelchair-bound patients to ensure confidential discussions can be undertaken when providing details.

I would like to thank you for raising this issue and enabling improvements to be made to ensure our disabled clients are provided with the opportunity for confidential discussions whilst attending the Emergency Department.

Kind regards

Jenny Lee

A/Operations Manager Western Wheatbelt

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k