Leeds General Infirmary

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-04-20 Person 4 5 0

All the staff on the ward were extremely friendly and professional making the experience better for our daughter and for us as a family. In particular there were two nurses who were exceptionally good and made a massive difference - Becky and Charlotte. The play specialists Emma Marshall and Gemma Jackson did some fantastic work with our family in preparation for surgery and were also amazing during our hospital stay. Thank you to everyone. The only thing that could be improved is some of the ward facilities (repairs / general maintenance).

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-04-09 Person 2 5 0

My experience of the post-natal ward was a negative one in many respects. - Cleanliness - I was in hospital for 4 days and my sheets were not changed. There was blood on my sheets from the first night and I was not offered a change, I did not sleep inside the bed for this reason. - Hygiene – I had to ask to use the shower, this was not suggested or recommended. I was too tired to do this proactively over the first couple of days but I feel I should have been encouraged daily. My stitches were infected once I left hospital & I feel this could have been avoided by more showering in the early days in hospital. - Decisions & information- I was not involved and barely consulted about the discharge plans. I had to repeatedly ask about discharge & decisions had been made about us and we were told we were staying another night on 2 occasions but quite late in the day. This caused me to feel totally helpless and by the 4th day I would have discharged myself if they had not agreed to a discharge. I was not told that my baby's respiratory rate had dropped, I found out when a Paediatrician visited our cubicle which was a shock. A HCA must have reported that my baby was slightly Jaundice but I did not know this until later that day when a midwife mentioned it. - Breastfeeding – The way breastfeeding was broached overall made the whole breastfeeding experience a negative one for me & contributed to breastfeeding being short-lived. Breastfeeding is forcefully pushed which totally overshadowed my enjoyment and appreciation of having a new baby. My baby struggled to latch on thus did not feed well and lost 9.5% of birth weight quite quickly, a simple suggestion of nipple shields would have resolved the issue but this suggestion was not made. Midwives repeatedly said ‘everyone can breastfeed’ – I really do not think they should say this as it is simply not true. I physically could not breastfeed without the aid of nipple shields but I listened to the midwives which made me feel like a failure. I was supported by 2 fantastic Student Midwives – MOLLY AND ANNA. I cannot speak of them highly enough! They were great but they simply did not have time to help me like I needed, they were rushed off their feet. On the 2nd night my baby was constantly screaming (I think she was starving in hindsight) and I called for assistance as I was really concerned. A lady (I think a HCA) attended and flippantly said ‘ well you need to feed her love’ – this is not what I needed since I would have loved to have been able to feed my baby successfully! I explained the feeding issues & she said ‘I don’t know what else to say love.’ I didn’t buzz again that evening and instead sat sobbing alone in my cubicle with my baby screaming. No one came to see me until early morning. By the 3rd night a midwife promised INTENSE breastfeeding support to progress the situation. Intense support entailed one visit where the midwife helped me feed successfully and then left me to it all night. When I was unable to feed midwives promoted skin to skin contact, we did this but then the midwives would not return for hours and I was laid with baby on me unable to move or sleep. Due to my birthing injuries I could not shuffle off the bed with baby to dress and place her back in her crib so I could sleep. It was impossible to put baby on the bed and shuffle off too, it was not safe. So many new mum’s have had a similar breastfeeding experience at LGI so I know I am not an isolated case. I was discharged with midwives knowing I had only breastfed my baby once independently. When I got home I immediately gave baby formula since I did not have a great milk supply and she would not breastfeed, my child was starving! She immediately settled having had formula. - Dignity and respect – One Midwife Apprentice answered my call and assured me that we would resolve the breastfeeding issues and I would be able to go home. I wanted to believe her so I trusted her confidence – please note she was pleasant in her manner throughout, her attitude was not the issue. She proceeded to ‘manhandle’ me and my baby and we did not successfully breastfeed. I was in a vulnerable state and allowed her to treat me in this way as I just wanted to be able to feed my baby & then go home. The Apprentice bruised my breasts which was observed by a Student Midwife who I believe reported this back to my Midwife. They said they would speak to her manager and address the way she had behaved. If I have another child, I would consider going to another hospital because of the poor post-natal care I received.

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-04-04 Person 4 5 0

I couldn't get on the ward to which my operation was compatible with. I was asked if I would go onto the Orthopaedic ward, a physiotherapist room. I hadn't realised this room had no windows, not even any glass in the door. It was right next to the main ward doors which banged and slammed night and day. The hospital was so desperate for beds that I was told I could go home the next day. It was a shock to me, my consultant said I would be in one day, rest the next, then physio and be seen by the consultant the day after. Everything happened within hours of me coming onto the ward after surgery, I hadn't even been out of bed at this stage. Yes home is the best place to be, but please at least allow someone to recover a little. I could still taste and smell the anaesthetic when I was home. Otherwise my stay and visits to the LGI have always been a very pleasant experience. The staff on all of the wards and departments are smiling and although very busy keep their spirits high, I cannot praise the staff enough. The housekeeping team were so nice too, nothing was ever too much trouble. Well done everyone.

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-04-03 Person 5 5 0

Receptionists were efficient and friendly. Area and toilet clean. Water and cordial available in waiting area, a thoughtful touch. The two young gentlemen carrying out the test worked really well together. They explained the overall process and then reiterated key points at each step along the way, open to Q&A throughout. At no time did I feel under pressure or rushed. I was treated with sensitivity, honesty and respect (like a family member on a good day). I came away with my dignity intact.

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-03-27 Person 5 5 0

Everything was quick, courteous and professional.

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-03-22 Person 5 5 0

I required a lot of care after the birth of our daughter. All the staff that helped me were fantastic. They were kind, compassionate and caring. My husband and I were kept informed about what was happening and I was frequently asked if I understood and consented to the care I was being given. Thank you so much for the very valuable work you do.

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-03-20 Person 5 5 0

The service was exemplary

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-03-17 Person 4 5 0

After changing back into my clothes after the X-Ray, I was not clear as to what bag to place the gown in and where to place which bag! I am very hard of hearing and may have misheard the instructions, but the printed instructions were rather ambiguous!

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-03-08 Person 4 5 0

The accessible toilet on Floor B of the Brotherton Wing was very cramped for a wheelchair user and had insufficient support rails for patients with balance and mobility issues. The accessible toilet near the Calverley St entrance was also difficult to use because it was cluttered with large waste disposal bins which left little manoeuvring space for my wheelchair. Had my husband not been there to help me, I would have found it impossible to use either toilet. In complete contrast, the great kindness with which I was treated by the nurse, the nursing sister, and the lady who took my blood was second to none. I could not have wished for more attentive and sympathetic staff. I am just sorry that I am unlikely to meet them again!

Leeds General Infirmary 2017-03-04 Person 5 5 0

Helpful, kind and friendly staff who kept us well informed. Clean ward.