Health trust says minor injuries unit at Downe is working well

Health trust says minor injuries unit at Downe is working well

18 June 2014

A SURVEY of patients using the Downe Hospital’s minor injuries unit has reported high levels of satisfaction, according to the South Eastern Trust.

The minor injuries unit was introduced shortly after the Trust axed early evening and weekend emergency services at the Downpatrick hospital due to a shortage of doctors. The unit opens between 9am and 5pm at weekends and is staffed by nurse practitioners, but there are no doctors.

Based at the hospital’s emergency department, the minor injury unit can treat children who are over five years old, sports injuries, limb and minor head injuries, sprains and strains, burns and scalds, bites and stings, cuts and grazes. Staff can also change dressings, remove stitches and foreign bodies from the ears, eyes and nose.

The Trust says the patient survey — which was carried out during April — reported high levels of overall satisfaction, with 100 per cent of patients reporting that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the service. All responders also had no complaints, although a number did call for A&E services to be restored at the Downe at night and weekends.

The survey indicated that more people attend the minor injury unit on a Saturday than a Sunday, with the greatest attendance (54%) on Saturday afternoons.

The Trust says 100 per cent of responders said staff were professional, as well as caring and compassionate; took time to listen to their questions and concerns, were welcoming, approachable and willing to help.

“Everyone surveyed was happy with how staff explained what was happening in their treatment and care and that they checked the information was understood,” says the Trust. “All responders said staff considered and respected their wishes, respected religious or spiritual needs, treated them as an individual and maintained their privacy and dignity when providing care.”

The Trust says the survey showed 74% of patients were treated and discharged within an hour, while 65% of patients were seen within 15 minutes of their arrival. Only one person waited more than an hour to be seen.

The only negative comments were around privacy while registering with the receptionist who sits behind a glass window at the emergency department. The Trust says satisfaction with privacy during care was at maximum level, with 50% concerned others could hear their details on arrival.

The Trust says when asked about the positive aspects of their visits, people’s comments ranged from “it was very quick, no waiting about” to “staff were really good and helpful” to “friendly, first class service.” Staff were also praised for their professionalism, kindness and taking time to explain things.