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 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
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Review titled Great Service
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Mrs June King - Posted on 27 February 2023
I wanted to personally thank Doctors Nursing Staff on Ridgeway Ward and Purbeck Wards for so careingly looking after my Mother-in-law Beryl King for the last 3 Weeks couldn’t fault them at all thank you sadly she passed away Sat 25th Feb again there care was impeccable.
Visited Older people's services on February 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 17 March 2023
Hello Mrs King, Please accept my sincere condolences for your sad loss; thank you for taking the time to leave your lovely feedback at such a difficult time for you and your family. It is fantastic to hear about the care your mother in law received from the staff on Ridgeway and Purbeck wards – I will ensure the staff involved in your mother in law's care are made aware of your thanks and comments. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Engagement
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Review titled First rate experience of A&E
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Edward Parham - Posted on 01 March 2023
Very early on Thursday 16 February I brought my wife into A&E as advised. She was immediately attended to as she was in considerable pain. We were greatly impressed by the efficiency of the department and the support offered by nursing and ancillary staff, not least by the effort kindness and good humour of the young Nigerian doctor on duty.
Visited Accident and emergency services on February 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 17 March 2023
Hello Edward, It is fantastic to hear about the care your wife received from the staff in the Emergency Department at Dorset County Hospital. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback – I will ensure the staff involved in your wife's care are made aware of your lovely comments. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Engagement
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Review titled Very Impressed and very Gratefull.
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Simon - Posted on 07 March 2023
Beginning of February I was taken to A&E, Didnt realise but at the time I was suffering from a UTI and Sepsis, I was all over the place and very concerned, All staff at A&E were excellent, and were on top of things very quickly, and very calming, keeping me informed what was going on. All can say is thank you all.
Visited Accident and emergency services on February 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 17 March 2023
Hello Simon, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback - it is fantastic to hear about the care you received from the staff in the Emergency Department at Dorset County Hospital. I will ensure the staff involved in your care are made aware of your lovely comments. I hope you are making progress in your recovery. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Engagement
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Review titled Excellence is the word
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Katherine Eastwood - Posted on 23 January 2023
Initial chat with consultant in gastrology to discuss pros and cons of Rig procedure, previously suggested by dietician. Information given in sensitive, kindly manner on both occasions. Several meetings later with the nutrician nurse, whom I can't praise enough,resulted in admission to proceed. Radiology dept - the deed was done accompanied by 'Queen' - a popular choice! Pre and after op, care was on Ridgeway ward where, despite obvious work load, nursing skills were superb as was the team spirit and cheerful atmosphere. Daily cleaning was thorough and speed of bed changing - remarkable. Top marks to chef - porridge was delicious. Home again: impression left is of professional medical treatment delivered with utmost care; patient welfare being paramount. Felt a little 'special'. Thank you to all whom I met.
Visited Gastrointestinal and Liver services on January 2023
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 17 March 2023
Hello Katherine, Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to your feedback. It is fantastic to hear about the care you received from the staff involved in your care - thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback. I will ensure the staff and departments mentioned are made aware of your lovely comments. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Engagement
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Review titled Fantastic unit
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Sammie Johnston - Posted on 12 December 2022
I went in unplanned to have my unborn baby monitored and I was seen straight away, absolutely no waiting around. This is my second baby and second time I have chosen to have my maternity care at Dorchester hospital. The hospital is warm and clean. All staff are so friendly, reassuring and informative, wether they are the midwifes, doctors or surgeons. They really are worth their weight in gold.
Visited Maternity services on December 2022
Review titled Dorset County Hospital
Replied on 17 March 2023
Hello Sammie, Apologies for the delay in responding to your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to your feedback - I will ensure that the Maternity Unit are made aware of your lovely comments. Best wishes Alison Male Head of Patient Experience & Engagement
Information supplied by Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust