Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Calow, Top Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5BLContact details and Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
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Reviews
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Review titled Symptoms of bowel cancer returning
by Christine146 - Posted on 20 October 2023
After being unable to contact either my surgeon, their secretary or my cancer nurse, I phoned my doctors' surgery and told them about my symptoms similar to those I had experienced when I had bowel cancer. They said they would phone me back. They phoned and said they too could not contact anyone in the bowel department and told me to go immediately to Accident and Emergency and would send my notes ahead. The hospital said they had not seen my notes so I had to repeat the questioning. Lots of waiting, blood tests which took 2 nurses and lots of attempts. Then waiting to go to a different department for scans and referrals. I was in hospital for seven hours with no food or drink and no communication of what I was waiting for. I had to go back the next day for a CT scan, causing me to miss out on 2 days of pay in my job. They said they couldn't give me a time. I had a scan and was told they couldn't see anything so my annual colonoscopy would be brought forwards and I would have it within 2 weeks. I picked up the medicine and waited. I am still waiting. It was five months ago when I was told 2 weeks. When I rang I got answer machine messages and no one returning my call. When I asked to be put through to the Endoscopy department instead of the bowel department, I was told they could see the referral but it had somehow got missed from the system. I asked who was at fault and didn't receive an answer. I got my annual appointment for my colonoscopy through. I rang to confirm and when I queried the missed colonoscopy they said they'd contact the surgeon to see what to do. It was pushed forwards 2 weeks. Having had cancer and supposed to be under surveillance, I have lost trust in the NHS and my doctors. I understand they are busy, but the lack of communication and service (no contact for 4 months when I was told it would be 2 weeks) is outrageous. The whole experience is upsetting enough without having the worry of whether you have a capable team looking after you.
Visited July 2023
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Review titled Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Replied on 31 October 2023
Dear Christine146, I am sorry to read about your experience and I hope to assure you that the this is not the level of service we aim for. I am aware that it has been a few days since you have posted your comment, I have escalated this to ensure that you receive a response. I am afraid I do not have a timescale as yet, but I will monitor and keep you updated. With Kindest regards Rachel Walker - Patient Experience Advisor
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Review titled Friendly Helpful staff Member
Rated 4 stars out of 5
by karen - Posted on 14 July 2023
visited Barnes ward last Night, I was there 5 Hours, not helped by the current Strikes, but it was made better with the Friendly helpful staff, especially A I ME e (think that’s how you spell her name) who went out of her way to make my/others stay easier, making drinks and providing us with Food, very good Bedside Manner, better than the Doctor who I saw, well done you, keep up the Good work, you deserve a Pay Rise too.
Visited Don't know on July 2023
Review titled Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Replied on 27 July 2023
Thank you for your kind comments and lovely feedback regarding your stay on Barnes ward. I am so pleased to read that the staff were friendly and helpful. I will pass on your comments to staff as they will really appreciate receiving such positive and kind comments. Rachel Walker - Patient Experience Advisor
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Review titled I find it quite uplifting to have been around such an inspiring group of people
by Ashwood - Posted on 20 July 2023
I had had a series of tummy aches that ended up with a stay in hospital to have my appendix removed. The whole process of contacting my GP, being assessed then eventually admitted to the surgical assessment unit went just as I would hope, I got exactly the treatment I needed when I needed it. The Surgical Assessment Unit was hectic with a regular turnover of new patients, but it seemed well managed despite some obviously difficult patients. Initially we thought I had gall stones but an ultrasound scan showed no problems. I was moved to Devonshire Ward and a CT scan booked, which found I had an infected/inflamed appendix so surgery was booked. This took place 3 days after admission and went well. I cannot begin to heap enough praise on all of the NHS staff I had contact with throughout the whole process. From GP receptionist to GP to ward staff and doctors at the hospital. Each and every one of them were fabulous, friendly and professional and happy to do whatever it took to make the patients comfortable and get them well. There were difficult patients and serious work to be done, but they just got on with it and smiled while they did. They are by far the biggest asset the NHS has. The good humour and kindness they maintain whilst doing a stressful and difficult job under incredibly difficult circumstances is amazing. Throughout my stay I always understood what was happening and why. It could have been a stressful experience but somehow wasn't partly because I had confidence that everyone around me was doing their absolute best. I was discharged 5 days after my admission, feeling sore but eternally grateful and on reflection I find it quite uplifting to have been around such an inspiring group of people.
Visited July 2023
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Review titled Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Replied on 20 July 2023
Hi Ashwood, Thank you so much for your positive feedback, I will share this with all the staff from SAU and Devonshire ward and this will undoubtedly put a smile on their faces. I am so pleased to hear you were treated so well and your appendix surgery went so well. I hope your are back to full fitness now
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Review titled Wonderful staff absolutely horrible new A and E.
Rated 3 stars out of 5
by Malcolm Robert Heeley - Posted on 24 June 2023
Mother in law bought in by ambulance we queued for about 25 minutes to find out where she was ( in Resus) The new room is like an airport waiting lounge , very noisy for staff ( feel sorry for them) and patients. Absolutely horrible design etc. I cannot believe someone thinks this is an improvement. Perhaps by making it so bad the hope is that people won't come. I am full of praise for healthcare staff they do a fantastic job. Thank you to them.
Visited Accident and emergency services on June 2023
Chesterfield Royal Hospital has not yet replied.
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Review titled Theatre team
by Petunia45 - Posted on 27 June 2023
Surgery for Breast cancer Well informed of care and procedures No fear as total trust in all Surgeons Anaesthetist Nurses
Visited June 2023
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Review titled Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Replied on 28 June 2023
Dear Petunia45, Thank you for your kind comments regarding your recent surgery, I do hope that you are recovering well! I am pleased to hear that you were kept well informed as we do understand what an anxious time preparing for surgery can be. I will ensure that your comments are feedback to all the staff who were involved in your care. With kind regards Rachel Walker - Patient Experience Advisor
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Review titled Great staff
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Gloria Braithwait - Posted on 22 June 2023
All the staff in the breast care unit are professional and friendly and made me feel at ease. The consultants and anaesthetist were superb. The theatre and recovery staff are also fabulous. Chesterfield hospital should be proud of the teamwork. I must also comment on the cleanliness of the hospital. The cleaning team should be very proud
Visited Breast Surgery on June 2023
Review titled Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Replied on 26 June 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback about our staff in the Breast Care Unit. I am very pleased that you felt that the team were professional and friendly, we appreciate that coming to an appointment can be an anxious time but you were made to feel at ease. Your feedback about the Theatre's team is lovely and I hope that you are recovering well from your surgery. I will pass your kind comments on to all of the staff involved. With kind regards Rachel Walker - Patient Experience Advisor
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Review titled Lovely staff and support
by bargainrt99 - Posted on 15 June 2023
The diagnosis of breast cancer is devastating to hear. I was in a state of disbelief and felt like they must be talking about someone else. I felt really scared and upset but the clinician and breast care nurses were quick to put me at ease with the plan they had for me and more important told me it was treatable. They reassured me and told me that any questions or queries I had to give them a call. The breast care nurses still support me along with MacMillan support center nurses. They all are very caring and do an amazing job, and are always there for you. They lift my spirits on the days that I might be low in mood, they know exactly the right thing to say. They are truly angels. The morning of my operation I was anxious and worried about going into theatre and how the operation would go. The clinicians, breast care nurses and even physio came to see me on TAU awaiting my turn to go to theatre. When I was about to go into theatre I got upset and the clinician held my hand it showed the human touch it sums up for me how caring and lovely they are. The hand holding, hugs, phone calls proves how much they care. The only suggestion I would make and I would have benefitted from would probably be a drop in group for cancer patients once a week like myself where we could discuss any worries or experiences we had, maybe at like MacMillan centre or in the Hospital? Where we had our treatment which we all come to for our treatment and follow up cake? Maybe a activity group
Visited June 2023
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Review titled Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Replied on 15 June 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and I hope you are continuing to recover following your surgery and treatment. I co-host the ABC (affected by cancer) support group held at Chesterfield Football club which is for anyone affected by cancer, any type and any stage. There are a few activity groups such as the outswimming cancer sessions held at Queens park during school term time and the seated dance class that runs from Calow community Centre weekly on a Thursday. Breast Cancer Now offer a service called "Here For You" in which they offer a personalised care and support package and also the "someone like me" service where you can talk with someone that has gone through a similar experience to yourself. There is also the Moving Forward course run by Breast Cancer Now and supported by our Breast Nurse Specialsits and this can be done face to face (commencing in Chesterfield September 2023) or there is an online option. If you would like more information about any of these support options then please do get in touch with the Chesterfield Macmillan Information and Support Centre on 01246 516406 and thank you again for sharing your story.
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Review titled Colonoscopy
by camelopardaliszk48 - Posted on 28 June 2023
I arrived at Chesterfield royal for my colonoscopy and went straight to the department. A nurse checked me in I waited 5 minutes then had to go to another room to get undressed and put on a gown and pants. I then had a catheter put in my hand. The doctor then came in and explained everything to me I then went into another room and was asked to lie on my left side. He then gave me sedation. The procedure took about 30 minutes I never felt a thing. I felt very relaxed. I then went into the recovery room and had to wait for 20minutes. I would recommend people do this
Visited June 2023
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Chesterfield Royal Hospital has not yet replied.
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Review titled Horrendous service
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 19 June 2023
Visited A and E with symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath and struggle breathing. I had been to a nurse in the community early that day who listened to my chest and told me you need to see a doctor and have a scan - I am 27 fit and healthy, my chest sounds like someone 5 minutes from death. I spent 4 and a half hours in a and e - I wasn’t checked on, I never saw a doctor - I ended up walking out and going to kings mill. In those 4 hours I saw 4 doctors walking around- 1 of which walked around aimlessly and never called a patients name the entire time I was there. The doctors seemed more interested in chatting to the nurses than calling patients through. The elederly women sat next to me whispered to my wife that she had been here 9 hours and not seen a doctor yet, and was in pain - she whispered to a nurse if they could help her to the toilet - the nurse (ward sister) then shouted across the waiting room to another nurse ‘can you help this lady to the toilet’ - shocking behaviour for a ward sister. There was only 1 person who deserves credit - that’s a male nurse who was taking three patients through for assessments at a time, trying to get them done as quickly as he could. The rest seemed to have no interest and were waiting out the time till shift handover - 2 hours away. I am just totally baffled that a 27 year old male - fit and healthy - complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing - had lower o2 than the fragile elderly lady sat next to me - had registered an o2 of 90% at home when my wife told me we have to take you to hospital - Was completely overlooked and forgotten about by the service - chest pain and difficulty breathing requires urgent attention for anyone, but the staff overlooked that and were also happy to discharge me when I walked up and told them to get the cannula out of me arm I can’t sit here any longer - knowing I was there for chest pain and difficulty breathing. Complete joke of a service.
Visited Accident and emergency services on June 2023
Review titled Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Replied on 23 June 2023
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your experience here at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. I am sorry that your experience was not a positive one and you had a lengthy wait and you felt as though you have been overlooked and forgotten about, I hope to reassure you that this is the not the standard of care that we aim for. The issues you have raised are being investigated and the Division who oversee the Accident and Emergency Department will respond to you soon. Should you wish to raise a concern or complaint, you can contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), who will be able to take further details and enable you to take this forward. With kindest regards Rachel Walker - Patient Experience Advisor
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Review titled Life in the late 70's is fantastic!
by phasedf56 - Posted on 06 June 2023
I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer Feb 2020 and had mastectomy (right breast) in March 2020 - 3 days before covid 19 1st lockdown. I am a widow and in my mid seventies when diagnosed, and have looked after myself through 3yrs covid restrictions, isolation, vaccinations; radiotherapy treatment; anti cancer drug daily (to last 10 yrs) and consular 6 month infusion bisphosphonate for 3yrs. Thanks to my wonderful GP practice, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, and Western Park Sheffield, I am fit and well, having just had my 3yr checks on my birthday. I have had no infections, no covid, no flu! But special mention apart from our wonderful NHS is for the NGS (National Garden Scheme) Macmillan Unit at Chesterfield Royal Hospital. Without the constant support and encouragement I could not now lead a full life. I am one of their volunteers; plus a walk leader trained by Chesterfield Borough Council, to help people return mobility and meeting + making new friends, through the social + green prescribing initiative in my area. Life in the late 70's is fantastic!
Visited June 2023
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Review titled Chesterfield Royal Hospital
Replied on 09 June 2023
Thank you so much for your positive feedback and the headline 'Life in the late 70s is fantastic' is such a wonderful thing to hear. I am glad you have been able to receive the encouragement and support required especially as you highlight with the added complexities of a pandemic. Thank you for the volunteer work you do as I am sure this has made a huge difference to a lot of people. I will ensure your feedback is shared with our staff.
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Information supplied by Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust