Dorset County Hospital
Williams Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2JYContact details and Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
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Reviews
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Review titled Thank you to everyone involved in my Dad's care
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 25 May 2023
My 84 year old father suffered a heart attack at home and was taken straight to Coronary care by ambulance. My Dad's case was compounded (if that is possible when having a heart attack), by his suffering with Parkinson's disease and being diagnosed with Alzheimer's (which comes and goes). On arrival at hospital the staff were extremely switched on and efficient regarding the whole situation they were also very friendly and reassuring. With acceptance of the risk Dad had an emergency stent fitted. Our special thanks to the doctor and team that carried out the procedure. Dad then went to Coronary Care ICU, again those looking after him were extremely attentive and caring. The stress of the heart attack along with Dad's other illnesses gave Dad an extreme chest infection which added to his needs, this was very well picked up and dealt with by the medical professionals. After a few days Dad was moved to the main area of the Coronary Care unit. The amount of tests, observations, scans etc carried out on Dad from arrival by ambulance through to discharge was very thorough. Management of his Parkinson's medications was exemplary throughout. The peculiarities of Parkinsons Disease can oft be misunderstood, but in this case it was not. Very big thanks for this. There were times when my father became very distressed, which I believe was due to a combination of the trauma, the early pain relief medications, his Alzheimer's etc. I would like to thank the staff for keeping Dad safe during these times and in particular those who went the extra mile to reassure him. Thanks to the nurse in charge of discharging my Dad who had a battle on her hands chasing Dads discharge medications. It was lovely to get Dad home, and he was back out on his motor scooter the next day. He has further challenges ahead and follow-ups to evaluate his on-going care and we feel reassured by the expertise of this Department. NHS, please ensure our thanks are passed on to those who helped my dad John Rogers.
Visited Cardiology on May 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 03 July 2023
Hello, It is fantastic to hear about the care your dad, John Rogers received from the staff in the Coronary Care Unit at Dorset County Hospital – this is the high standard of care that we hope to achieve for all our patients. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback to let us know how we are doing – I will ensure the staff involved in your care are made aware of your lovely comments and send John our best wishes. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Public Engagement
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Review titled A rude member of admin staff
by aquariusfs46 - Posted on 01 June 2023
There is a member of staff on reception in orthopaedic outpatients dept who is in my opinion not professional enough for the job. My first encounter with them was in early May. They made me wait while fumbling around trying to separate 2 sheets of paper with patients names on. I had already given my details but they literally stood there fumbling for at least a minute trying to separate 2 sheets of paper! I didn't have the patience to wait and watch this fiasco so I walked off to section A, hand therapy. They shouted after me to ask where I was going!? The second encounter was later in May. I asked a question about the DEXA clinic. There was a helpful person working in the office who started to answer my question but the rude person at the front desk said not to talk over them. The helpful staff member appeared extremely upset at being humiliated in front of a patient and immediately got up and left the office I asked them later if the person was a volunteer and was told no.
Visited April 2023
Provided by Care opinion
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 20 June 2023
Hello aquariusfs46, I am sorry to hear your feedback regarding your experience in the Orthopaedic Outpatients department at Dorset County Hospital. I’m concerned to read your comments and would welcome the opportunity to investigate them further. Should you wish me to do this, please do contact the Patient Experience Team on 0800 7838058 or email pals@dchft.nhs.uk to let us know some further detail and we would be very glad to help you further. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Public Engagement
Provided by Care opinion
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Review titled First class service!
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Mr & Mrs F Paddock - Posted on 23 April 2023
We attended the hospital following 2 dog bites and were amazed at the friendly and efficient treatment that we both received. A kind member of staff even brought us tea and sandwiches. We are so lucky to have such a great hospital in Dorset.
Visited Accident and emergency services on April 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 03 July 2023
Hello Mr & Mrs Paddock, It is fantastic to hear about the care you received from the staff at Dorset County Hospital – this is the high standard of care that we hope to achieve for all our patients. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback to let us know how we are doing. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Public Engagement
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Review titled Nurses or Technicians?
Rated 4 stars out of 5
by Mr Brian Marlow - Posted on 22 April 2023
This is not a criticism of the nursing staff at, dch rather a comment on the general standard of nursing care. I suspect that the lowering of standards is a sign of the times, where they have fallen across all professions, trades and other walks of life. In my recent hospital admissions an attempt to insert a Nasal Gastric Tube has been made on six occasions; two were successful. Why is it that nurses do not know how to do this? It is not an uncommon procedure. (Out of six patients in the last bay in which I was accommodated, three of us had these things sticking out of our nostrils.) My sister did her training in the early seventies. All her peers were instructed in how to insert ng tubes - and all of them had a tube inserted themselves in order to understand how it felt. (They were also given tips to ease the procedure, at least one of which appears to have been forgotten - to immerse the tube in warm water for a couple of minutes to soften it before inserting it.) Observations were taken every four hours. For much of the rest of the time I was not bothered. Sometimes I was in pain. On many nights I was awake. Often, at night I was cold. Very rarely was any enquiry made of how I was feeling. Never was I asked if I needed another blanket, even though I was huddled under a thick dressing gown. As a Police Custody Sergeant, before retirement, I was required to ensure that all prisoners were checked every hour. Vulnerable prisoners (i.e. drunk) were checked every 30 minutes. The hospital is full of vulnerable patients who, it would seem, are required to press their call-bell if they are in distress - if they can find it, or else wait until their 'obs' are done again. Again, as the person taking charge of a Custody Suite, on change-over, I would visit each of the detained persons. At no time was I ever informed who was in charge of the wards on which I was a patient. I may well have met the person, but I did not know that they were in charge. In fact, although I did look through one publication showing the uniforms of the different professionals in the hospital, I never did fully recognise the difference between the various uniforms. (Sister, Staff Nurse, HCA? Who knew?) The only truly recognisable staff were the domestic staff - who were unfailingly cheerful and helpful. As for change-over on the ward. Does this really have to sound like 'House Party'? Do people have to carry on very loud conversations about private matters immediately outside the door of the bays - or from one end of the corridor to the other? Sick people really do not want to hear this. And, although it is easy to forget this basic consideration, why was it allowed to continue? And I think that this is my basic complaint. Why is it allowed to continue? Is it a general lack of basic training, not taught at university, or is it a failure of leadership and supervision? Technical procedures were mainly followed. But where was the basic nursing?
Visited Don't know on April 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 03 July 2023
Hello Mr Marlow, I am sorry to hear your feedback regarding your admission at Dorset County Hospital. You make some very valid comments and concerns and we would welcome the opportunity to investigate or discuss them further. Should you wish us to do this, please do contact the Patient Experience Team on 0800 7838058 or email pals@dchft.nhs.uk to let us know some further detail and we would be very glad to help you further. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Public Engagement
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Review titled Difficult times
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Mr Simon Throw - Posted on 15 April 2023
I would just like to thank all the doctors and nurses in the urology department and the prostrate biopsy department for the excellent service that I received in these difficult times. Having been given full details by friendly doctors and nurses also taking the time to ask and answer any questions I might have asked
Visited Prostate Cancer Service on April 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 18 April 2023
Hello Mr Throw, Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback - it is fantastic to hear about the care you received from the staff in the Urology Department at Dorset County Hospital. I will ensure the staff involved in your care are made aware of your lovely comments. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience
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Review titled Recent surgery
by Mummytoboys - Posted on 05 April 2023
I would like to provide some feedback regarding recent surgery at Dorset County Hospital. I was admitted at the end of March 2023 to be sterilised. I'd had a consultation in March 2022 to discuss this and be added to the waiting list. During this appointment I informed the consultant I am nuerodiverse, specifically autistic. He told me he would add this information to the paperwork so adequate adjustments could be made on the day of surgery which would include having my partner with me. The day of surgery arrived. Upon arrival we were told my partner couldn't be with me. After explaining my autism they finally agreed to put us in a side room so he could be with me. To be honest I was actually really happy with this because it meant I was away from the noise and lights etc so wasn't going to have a sensory overload! I was taken to surgery where the people were nice enough but obviously hadn't been informed about my autism - that wasn't their fault. They did what they could with the information they had been given. Whilst I was in surgery my partner went to get some refreshments and was told he had to wait in the corridor and couldn't be with me when I came back from recovery. Again, not taking my autism into consideration. He was told that if I was old enough to consent to surgery then I was old enough to be on her own. Would they of said the same thing about a nonverbal autistic adult? A low functioning autistic adult? Just because someone is classed as a high functioning autistic person it doesn't mean they do not need support etc. Following surgery I felt rushed out of hospital. As soon as I woke up I was sat up for toast and a cup of tea. I was given some Oramorph which I informed the staff didn't help the pain but they didn't give me anything else to take home. In fact they told me to use what I have at home. They didn't inform me of any aftercare including whether my stitches were dissolvable, when to remove/change my dressings etc. Absolutely nothing! I had to contact my GP to ask for aftercare advise. I'm aware visiting hospital for surgery is never going to be pleasant but my experience was awful. None of this feedback is a criticism of the NHS or the amazing staff at Dorset County Hospital. The staff that are part of my experience were all from an outside company. I just feel it's important to provide this feedback to hopefully prevent somebody else having a similar experience to myself.
Visited March 2023
Provided by Care opinion
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 12 April 2023
Hello Mummytoboys, I am sorry to hear your feedback regarding your recent surgery at Dorset County Hospital. I’m concerned to read your comments and would welcome the opportunity to investigate them further. Should you wish us to do this, please do contact the Patient Experience Team on 0800 7838058 or email pals@dchft.nhs.uk to let us know some further detail and we would be very glad to help you further. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Public Engagement
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Review titled Lack of deaf awareness
by chico98 - Posted on 15 March 2023
Waited three months for a ‘review’ appointment for a diagnosis/discussion about my sudden deafness, after having MRI scans and blood tests in December. I found it an absolutely shocking service. I am profoundly Deaf and rely on lip-reading as my primary method of communication. Arrived at the appointment to be greeted by a nurse who wouldn’t lower their mask. I respect autonomy and don’t mind them wearing the mask itself, however they kept talking to me with the mask on and made no effort to communicate with me another way, despite me saying I’m deaf and cannot hear them. Most people step back to a safe distance and lower their mask, but I had to suggest the whiteboard on the wall as they still spoke to me with the mask on!. Then when the doctor arrived they asked what the issue was and why was I there? They hadn’t looked at my chart/files at all and had no idea about my issues, my history of deafness and my tests. They suggested blood tests and an MRI scan, which I’ve already had done but they didn’t know the results or anything. Then simply shrugged, said cochlear implant is my only option. How can they suggest this without knowing anything about me? I had to show them my previous audiology results so they could understand my level of deafness before and now. They had no patience and were getting agitated when I was confused about the questions, simply because I couldn’t hear or understand their lip reading. Their deaf awareness was disgusting - they lowered their mask but enunciated so slowly and emphasised their words so much that I couldn’t lip-read. They kept turning away from me (I had my mother with me to help me with communication) so I couldn’t lipread. The staff spoke to my mum and I was completely out of the loop, even though I am the patient. I felt left out, with no understanding or care from the doctors. I felt like I was right back where I started and with no support for this new lifestyle I have to face. For NHS staff working in ENT (and Audiology, as I’ve had similar issues with them around communication), I find their lack of Deaf Awareness to be appalling.
Visited March 2023
Provided by Care opinion
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 17 March 2023
Hello chico98, I am sorry to hear your feedback regarding your care at Dorset County Hospital. I’m concerned to read your comments but I understand that you have already made contact with the Patient Experience who will investigate your concerns and experience. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Engagement
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Review titled Kindness and efficiency
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Pete M - Posted on 23 March 2023
I was admitted for a medical review following an x-ray. The doctors and nurses were kind and efficient. A new doctor saw me on A&E who was very good and got to the hub of the problem. The nurse who looked after me was lovely and made sure my wife and I were supplied with hot drinks. Following a CT Scan I was admitted to Illchester Ward- this was quick and efficient. The Doctor I saw on the ward took the time to explain things in a language I could understand. Overall, it was a very good experience.
Visited Accident and emergency services on March 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 12 April 2023
Hello Pete M, It is fantastic to hear about the care you received from the staff at Dorset County Hospital. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback to let us know how we are doing – I will ensure the staff involved in your care are made aware of your lovely comments. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Engagement
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Review titled Emergency
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Stothard - Posted on 11 February 2023
At 5.20am Yesterday I fell against bedroom furniture cutting my head and bleeding profusely due mainly to being on anti-coagulant prescriptions. A 999 call was answered immediately, advice given and an Ambulance dispatched from Weymouth approximately 25 miles away. It arrived at my home more quickly than I expected and from then on I received treatment and care of an unbelievable high standard from the ambulance crew and from A&E staff in the Hospital. I was able to return Home at mid-day (walking wounded!) I have no words that can adequately my admiration for the Organisation itself and all the Staff.
Visited Accident and emergency services on February 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 17 March 2023
Hello Stothard, Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback about your experience in the Emergency Department at Dorset County Hospital. It is fantastic to hear about the care you received from the staff - this is the high standard of care that we hope to achieve for all our patients, and it is great to see we are getting it right. I will ensure the staff involved in your care are made aware of your lovely comments. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Engagement
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Review titled Lack of appointment.
Rated 3 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 22 January 2024
Following spouses loss of hearing in one ear in Jan 2023 referral made to ENT. Told be put on waiting list of about year, was stressed that should be treated as urgent and gp recontact. Nearly year on no appointment,two texts checking still need appointment. Spouse has now suffered other serious health matter of similar nature which cause was quickly diagnosed. The concern is that had ENT examination taken place it may have identified the issue that has caused the latest issue as it seems likely that it is same as caused hearing loss a year ago. Earlier identification of cause/symptoms may have led to early intervention preventing this latest lifechanging issue.
Visited Ear, Nose & Throat on February 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 19 April 2024
Hello Thank you for leaving your feedback, please accept our apologies that we have been unable to respond until now. I am sorry to hear about your experience in the ENT department and the wait for treatment. I completely understand you frustration and how this has now impacted your spouse's health in other ways. We would welcome the opportunity to look into this further. Should you wish us to, please contact the Patient Experience Team on tel 0800 783 8058 or email pals@dchft.nhs.uk to let us know some more details and we would be very glad to help you further. Best wishes Julia Woodhouse Patient Experience Co-ordinator
Information supplied by Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust