Sheffield Local Involvement Network

In March, two of LINk’s authorised representatives carried out an ‘enter and view’ visit to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Department at the Northern General Hospital. They sent in a report  and recommendations to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (STH) following the visit. We recently received a formal response and are delighted to see that our input is being acted upon. Below are the key issues we raised and the response from STH.

Issue 1: Improve information for patients on arrival
Response: A poster has been designed providing information on reasons for variations in waiting times, staff uniforms and some health and safety issues. 

Issue 2: Improvements around infection control
Response: Dispensers of hand cleansing gel are being placed in the additional locations LINk suggested.

Issue 3: Improve the Bereavement Room environment
Response: The lead nurse for bereavement is looking into this and plans are in place to implement the recommendations by the end of October.

Issue 4: Install privacy lines at reception and improve the waiting area environment
Response: There is a refurbishment being planned for the whole area, however, STH is looking at a temporary solution with tape to improve privacy now.

Issue 5: Deter people from smoking outside the entrance using an ‘electronic voice’
Response: STH explored this as an option but found it was both ‘unsuccessful’ in its aim and irritating to non-smokers. It is continuing to look at ways of tackling this issue.