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Care Opinion

Day surgery privacy

Posted By waltzem36

"Day surgery privacy"

About: Royal Hospital for Women / Day Surgery Unit

(as the patient),

I had a procedure done recently at POW Royal Women’s Hospital. I found the staff were exceptional. One thing that I feel needs to be addressed in the Day Surgery on Level 2, is that in the middle of the Waiting Room, where family and patients of other genders are sitting, there is a bathroom in the centre of that waiting room where patients have to dress in their gowns to prepare for surgery. I feel it really is inappropriate and unfair to the patients and staff for that to be happening in the middle of a waiting room. The televisions are placed at height in the same centre of the waiting room, so many eyes are on the spot where patients are walking out of the bathroom in gowns for surgery. Culturally I believe there are many patients who do not really do that amongst patients of the opposite gender present. (At the least behind a curtain. Which I was able to do thanks to someone leaving a bed space.)

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Responses

Response from Maria Fenn, Nursing Co-director, Gynaecology Services Division, Royal Hospital for Women 10 months ago
Maria Fenn
Nursing Co-director, Gynaecology Services Division,
Royal Hospital for Women

Submitted on 7/07/2023 at 9:13 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 10/07/2023 at 8:44 AM

Dear waltzem36

Thank you for taking the time, especially after your recent procedure to post your feedback regarding your experience with the Royal Hospital for Women, Day Surgery Unit.

The Day Surgery Unit does have two bathroom facilities which include a shower and space to change. I believe from your post that the bathroom facility that you describe is the bathroom that is located within the post operative recovery area, which has recliner chairs and ceiling mounted televisions. This bathroom is located and intended for post operative patients to use as it is centrally located and close for patients to reach more easily. This bathroom is also available for other patients if the other second bathroom is in use by another patient or not available for some reason.

The other second bathroom is located slightly further away off the main corridor and separately from patient admission and recovery rooms, making it the preferred bathroom to use for patients preparing for admission.

The Day Surgery Unit does have a policy to allow patients a support person to accompany them during their stay if they wish and many patients find this very comforting. The Day Surgery Unit staff are very mindful and careful to ensure patient privacy and protect our patient's dignity at all times whilst also providing a culturally safe space and trying hard to be accommodate all patient needs.

I am sorry that your observations may have caused you concern and upset, and I'm pleased to hear that the staff were able to offer you a suitable area during your stay. Your feedback is appreciated and valued and will be shared with the Day Surgery Staff as we are always looking at ways to improve our services to ensure we provide the best possible patient care and experience.

I wish you all the best and your continued recovery.

Kind regards

Maria

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Update posted by waltzem36 (the patient)

Thank you Maria. The staff were exceptionally good and understanding and it made everything easier.

Response from Maria Fenn, Nursing Co-director, Gynaecology Services Division, Royal Hospital for Women 9 months ago
Maria Fenn
Nursing Co-director, Gynaecology Services Division,
Royal Hospital for Women

Submitted on 10/07/2023 at 1:43 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 1:56 PM

Thank you waltzem36. I'm pleased to hear that you found the Day Surgery Unit staff understanding and exceptionally good during your stay. Your kind feedback will be shared with the staff who I know will really appreciate your positive feedback.

Kind regards

Maria

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