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

Loss of dignity and confidentiality

Posted By Patientdignity

"Loss of dignity and confidentiality"

About: Royal Perth Hospital / Neurology & Epilepsy Service & Neuro-surgery & Ward 5H

(as a relative),

My family member was just transferred from Royal  Perth hospital recently. Most of the care received was excellent, particularly in the ICU. However, once on 5H in a shared 4 bed room mixed co-ed, my family member began to have issues with their catheter. Whilst my family were in the cubicle, the nurse came in and spoke about the catheter not draining. Without pulling the curtain or asking family members to leave, the nurse pulled down my family member's pants with everything on show without closing curtains and with my family there. A second incident was when my parent was with their sibling visiting and the nurse replaced the catheter with them in the bay! No explanation prior to what was happening and that my family should leave during the procedure. 

Not only a huge loss of dignity for my family member, but also extremely uncomfortable for the family members present and I assume for the 3 other patients in the room, all different genders. 

Whilst we appreciate all the care given, I feel some things can definitely be approached in a more professional manner to maintain dignity and confidentiality. 

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

Responses

Response from Ben Noteboom, Executive Director, Royal Perth Bentley Group 7 months ago
Ben Noteboom
Executive Director,
Royal Perth Bentley Group

Submitted on 5/10/2023 at 2:19 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 3:32 PM

picture of Ben Noteboom

Dear Patientdignity,

I was deeply sorry to learn of your parent’s recent ill health requiring admission to the Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) ICU and it was lovely to read of the excellent care the ICU team provided. I will be delighted to pass your gratitude onto them.

However, it was disappointing to read that your parent’s experience on ward 5H was not as you expected. It is incredibly important for patients to feel safe and supported throughout their inpatient admission, and I am very sorry that nursing staff did not ensure appropriate privacy and dignity for your parent, family members and other patients within their room. This is not the standard of care we aspire to deliver and I appreciate you bringing this to my attention.

Without knowing your parent’s details, it is difficult to comment on their experience further. If your parent is a current inpatient, I would encourage you to discuss the matter with the Nurse Unit Manager on ward 5H who is now aware of your Care Opinion story. Alternatively, the Consumer Engagement Unit at RPH can be contacted Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm on 9224 1637 or via email: rpbg.feedback@health.wa.gov.au and they can escalate any issues or concerns for you both.

Thank you for sharing your story on Care Opinion so that we can learn and improve the care we deliver to our patients and the community.

I wish your parent all the best with their recovery and ongoing healthcare journey.

Kind regards

Ben Noteboom

A/Executive Director

Royal Perth Bentley Group

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