Countess Of Chester Hospital

I know it’s probably been mentioned many times by many people, but for me it can’t be mentioned enough. Don’t you think that all of the staff that work at the Countess of Chester Hospital do a fantastic job? I don’t mean to say this in a creepy or patronising way. It is a genuine recognition of the sterling work they all do from one of their regular punters.

Over the last few months I have been popping along to my second home on numerous occasions. The other day I was only asking someone who works there when the Christmas “do” was. Fortunately my frequent visits have been for fairly routine things like my regular Warfarin blood tests and Rheumatology outpatient appointments. So, nothing major.

However, I was a “guest” for a couple of days at the end of June so I did see a lot more of the inner workings. You can judge so much more when you are in residence as opposed to a flying visit. The reason for my two day pampering session? A rather painful thing called cellulitis. Anyway, enough about that. More importantly I could see at first hand how good and efficient the nurses were. Nothing was too much for them in what, at times, were very challenging circumstances.

Countess Of Chester Hospital

Countess Of Chester Hospital

The Ward I was on was occupied by some interesting characters let’s say. One guy in the bed opposite was playing hide and seek. He would regularly pull his sheet over his head and hide from the nurses, then reappear again. Almost “peek-a-boo” style. On one occasion he ‘disappeared’ under his sheet while letting out a torrent of abuse to the nurses.

What do I do? Do I join in with a “Who said that, I can’t see anyone?” comment?

Or do I play the game properly and say, “I can see you”.

Joking apart though, he was quite a difficult patient for the nurses to deal with to say the least. He played up when it was food time, blood test time, blood pressure reading time. You name it. Not once did the nurses lose their cool, or their professionalism though.

In the bed next to him was a man who often chose to sit in a chair by his bed. As soon as he sat in his chair he nodded off. A few minutes later he would wake up with a start and immediately burst into song. Fair do’s he would give many an X Factor contestant a run for their money. Maybe not the best “Ferry Across The Mersey” version I’d heard however but at least he knew all the words. The nurses were great with him as they showed genuine interest in his latest warbling.

The gentleman next to me was constantly trying to pull his catheter out. And he was also constantly asking when it could be taken out. Asking the same questions over and over again every 20 minutes or so. It was certainly winding me up, but the nurses? Not at all. They took it all in their stride and answered him with the same compassion the 101st time he asked as they did the 1st time he asked. It was driving me bonkers though.

Should Outpatients Be Fined?

I find a similar caring, professional approach from the nurses when I visit as an outpatient as well. A visit to the Countess this morning for an MRI scan has, in a way, prompted this latest post. Yet again a very conscientious, caring approach from start to finish. Having to work those long hours on a Sunday and still keep a smile on their faces is more than commendable.  It is staggering to think that some patients give these brilliant nurses grief on occasions. Those that do, really need to give their head a wobble!!

In this era of austerity and cut-backs everywhere, a sign I saw today made me think. Should outpatients be fined? Not just at the Countess of Chester hospital, but at every hospital. Why is this? The sign on display on the wall in the waiting area in Area G, Radiology showed the following:

In the month of May, 39 patients failed to turn up for their MRI scan. While 2 patients cancelled on the day of the appointment. Playing devil’s advocate, the two late cancellations may have been for very valid reasons. But the 39 who didn’t turn up and not let the hospital know? Again, there may be valid reasons for some of the “no shows”. But all 39?

It made me think though. Should these 39 face a potential fine for not turning up? As the sign also went on to point out, these “No Shows” cost the hospital a lot of money. As it is impossible for the hospital to fill the “No Shows” at such short notice, it is also depriving another patient the opportunity to have a much needed scan. It certainly gives food for thought. Obviously “No Shows” happen across all Clinics and all hospitals.

So, how much more money is wasted? If patients were faced with a potential fine for not showing up and not letting the hospital know, this would certainly make these patients more accountable and more respectful of the hospital and its staff. Also, in these times of austerity it would also provide a much needed boost to the coffers.

If Ever You Have To Visit The Countess Of Chester Hospital

If you find you are having to go to the Countess for any reason then try not to worry. Hopefully this short article from a Countess of Chester Hospital seasoned campaigner will go some way to make you aware that you will be in good hands. Oh, and something else. Don’t knock the food. Maybe not classic nouveau cuisine, but also nowhere near as bad as some people make out.

The MRI scan? Apparently some people get quite stressed about this scan. Again though the nurses were great at putting me at ease (not that I needed to be put at ease though….tough as old boots me!!). I was well comfortable. The scan took about 15-20 minutes. I reckon another 5 minutes and I would have been in the land of nod. So anyone apprehensively waiting for an MRI scan, don’t worry. Piece of cake!!

One Major Criticism Though

This article is extolling the virtues of the Countess of Chester Hospital and its staff (not only the nurses but all who sail in her). And rightly so. But I do have one major criticism to make though. I wonder if anyone else has the same gripe as me. I’m sure there must be a few out there at least.

Well, just in case you haven’t noticed yet, I will tell you about a major fault of the hospital. As soon as I step into the room and I see them, I know straight away there will be a problem. “Here we go again” I ponder. You lying little so and so’s. When is the hospital going to rectify this major problem!! In this day and age of ultra modern technology and sophisticated machinery I find it incredible that a hospital does not have………weighing scales that work properly!!

As soon as I step on I think, “What lies are you going to concoct today mister”. Sure enough, today’s scales, like scales on every other occasion, lied to me. I even tried to help redress the imbalance by offering to take my shoes and jeans off. Like most people, it seems that my jeans and shoes weigh at least a stone and a half. But do they take this into consideration? No, they don’t.

All in all though, and giving this some more consideration, it is only a small complaint (and is only tongue in cheek of course) that is far outweighed by the many good points the Countess of Chester Hospital provides. Keep up the great work. I will see you again soon……oh, that will be tomorrow for my regular Warfarin blood test. Same time, same chair. Put the kettle on and I’ll bring the biscuits…..again!!

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