Northern General Hospital
Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S5 7AUContact details and Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
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Reviews
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Review titled Terrible service!
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 09 September 2023
Called with my poorly husband, not too many in waiting room so didn't think we would be too long. Fast forward 5 hours and still not seen a doctor!! The heat was unbearable and to top it off other people constantly coughing and spluttering with no masks on! We had to leave we couldn't tolerate it any longer and now I feel like I'm coming down with something too! Absolutely shocking this place. It is not fit for purpose and I fear it's only a matter of time before it's privatised. I wouldn't come here again unless I was literally dying! That's how bad the service is. My husbands experience isn't a one off, I called last November really unwell, again wasn't seen for hours, they took my blood pressure over a thick winter coat!!! That's the only thing I had done in almost 4 hours, what on earth is going on at this hospital?? Please sort it out people are not getting the care they need and deserve.
Visited Accident and emergency services on September 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 11 September 2023
We are sorry to hear that you recently experienced a long wait for our services. We aim to see patients as quickly as possible and prioritise based on urgency, however at very busy times this can mean that some patients have a long wait, which we are sorry about. The Emergency Department are exploring ways to improve the experience of patients attending and waiting in the department. If you or a loved one is feeling unwell but it is not an emergency situation, we would advise that you first call 111 and speak with the team who will advise you of the best course of action; they may signpost you to the walk-in centre, minor injuries unit, pharmacy, GP or GP Collaborative (if GP support out of hours is required) as other options, as well as the Emergency Department. This should help to reduce waiting times and ensure that you receive help from the most appropriate service. However, if you wish to follow this up, please contact our PALS team on 0114 271 2400 or by emailing sth.pals@nhs.net. The PALS team will ask you to share some personal details in order for us to investigate this matter for you.
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Review titled Variable service - patients leaving after 9.5 hour waits
Rated 2 stars out of 5
by Lydia - Posted on 14 September 2023
Visit 1: August 2023. Arrived by ambulance at about 2pm on a Saturday due to "ecg abnormality". In for ecgs x3 ("normal"), bloods x2. Begged for the results by 6pm so I could leave for dinner. This was done. Visit 2 Wed 14/09: gp referral, not happy with low pulse. Triage took an hour. Approx 40 patients 7-10pm, 20 patients 10pm onwards. ecg took 3.5 hours. "Normal". Left (informed reception) when told ultrasound referral would take 3.5 hours. Patient leaving after 9.5 hour wait, other waits reported of 5 and 8 hours. Went to get wait time for a man that had been in since 6pm ?sepsis and was told another 2 hours for him at midnight. One mother and son left after being told the wait for a doctor was five hours. The son had had an abnormal ecg. Visit 3, Thur 15/09: gp advice after additional symptoms. Approx 30 patients 10-11pm, 20 patients 11pm onwards. Much quicker tonight, why was it not like this on other nights? Triage took 30 mins, ecg and blood test after approx 1-1.5 hours, told a two hour wait for a doctor but it is currently at three hours. Patient left after being told he would have a four hour wait. Told "if trauma comes in it'll take longer to be seen". Why is this? Why isn't there a separate system for non urgent a and e patients? Mostly lovely staff, the healthcare assistants and reception staff in particular are kind, good listeners and friendly. Makes such a difference. One nurse rolled her eyes at the gp advice to come to a and e if symptoms worsened and was pretty rude! She's on tonight on triage, 15/09. The vending machine doesn't work with cards, only with coins so bring that or food. The toilet is filthy. Toilets on the wards are cleaned hourly, why isn't the a and e one? It's too hot. Parking is 2.80 all night. Two car parks near a and e full on one occasion. It was good to see two cleaners doing a thorough job at 1am.
Visited Accident and emergency services on September 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 01 November 2023
Thank you ever so much for taking the time to share your experiences of accessing the A&E department recently. Your feedback has been shared with the A&E team who have been able to take your feedback on board and provide a response. In terms of the variability of waiting times which you experienced, the nature of an Emergency Department is that service delivery will be variable due to capacity, demand and clinical acuity. The sickest patient will always be triaged to be seen first. We endeavour to keep all patients up to date with projected waiting times and offer alternative options to be seen through our streaming and triage services if we feel a more appropriate option is available for timely patient review. In terms of the details you provided about specific dates- the day of the week did not align with the date stated. We did however check Wednesday 13th, Thursday 14th September and Friday 15th and on all dates the number of patients in the Emergency Department ranged between 85 and 121 between 7pm and midnight. You would only have been able to see the patients in the waiting room, however, the department were also managing a significant number of patients across the department. The total number includes patients arriving by ambulance as well as patients walking into the department. The team have checked the information for both 13th and 14th September and have advised that the wait to be seen by a doctor appears to have varied between 2-4 hours depending on which day it was. Again, the variation in waiting times is also dependent on clinical acuity. In terms of your query regarding why there is not a separate system for non urgent A&E patients, this would undermine the purpose of a triage system based on clinical urgency. Information advising patients that if a trauma patient comes into the department it will impact on the waiting time for other patients is provided as an explanation, rather than an excuse. As an Emergency Department, we must prioritise the most clinically unwell or injured. There are other streams for receiving care and treatment for non urgent medical issues, such as the Minor Injuries Unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital which is open 8am-8pm every day, the GP Collaborative service which offers out of hours appointments (6pm-8am on weekdays and 24 hours over Weekends and Bank Holidays), offering treatment for patients with minor or less urgent illnesses, and the Walk In Centre on Broad Lane in the City Centre where advice and treatment can be accessed, which is open from 8am- 10pm every day. Thank you for sharing feedback on the positive experiences you have had with staff, this feedback has been shared with the A&E team and it is appreciated. However, we are very sorry for the instance you have mentioned where a nurse was rude to you when discussing your attendance at A&E. We have passed on your feedback regarding the vending machine to the facilities team, as they are responsible for the provision of the vending machine in the waiting area. We are sorry that you found that they toilet in the area was not clean. The frequency of toilet cleaning in the emergency department is higher than ward areas but due to the nature of the waiting area, the toilets can become soiled very quickly. If this is notified to the reception team they can escalated for additional cleaning between regular checks. Thank you for feeding back your recognition of the cleaners doing a thorough job during your attendance, we appreciate this positive feedback and again this has been shared with the team. We are sorry that you found the temperature of the waiting room to be too hot. Air con units have been provided throughout the department including the waiting room but due to the nature of the area it is difficult to control the temperature when the weather was unseasonably warm, so we are sorry that you experienced it feeling too hot when you attended. Regarding the car parking, this is a busy area which includes priority parking spaces for ambulances and for blue badge parking. More information on car parking at the Northern General site can be found on this page:[ https://www.sth.nhs.uk/our-hospitals/northern-general-hospital/car-parking ](http://https://www.sth.nhs.uk/our-hospitals/northern-general-hospital/car-parking) We hope that this response is helpful to you. However, if you wish to follow this up, please contact our PALS team on 0114 271 2400 or by emailing sth.pals@nhs.net. The PALS team will ask you to share some personal details in order for us to investigate this matter for you.
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Review titled Fantastic standard
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 19 November 2023
of care i am currently receiving at this hospital. I had emergency spine surgery two years ago couldnt fault the standard of care back then (apart from one member of the nursing staff been rude when due to me been totally incontinent and couldnt feel when i needed to go to the bathroom and because i was asleep and messed the bed she wasnt very happy as she had to change the bedding and me) this upset me however it was dealt with by the ward manager who repremanded that member of staff. Consultant and his entire team were absolutely brilliant i ll know this week if i need the same surgery again. the only issue i have is parking there isnt enough especially disabled. the only ones i have found are about six outside the huntsman building (which is where orthopaedics is) and about the same amount in a small car park lower down ..........
Visited Orthopaedics on September 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 08 January 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your care. We are really pleased to read that the care you received was generally good. We are sorry to read about the one issue with a staff member you experienced, but glad to see that this was dealt with at the time for you, and that otherwise the care you received was good. Regarding the availability of disabled parking bays, this will be raised with our facilities team for them to take this feedback into consideration and any further response will be shared. However, if you wish to follow this matter up, please contact our PALS team on 0114 271 2400 or by emailing sth.pals@nhs.net. The PALS team will ask you to share some personal details in order for us to investigate and provide you with a full response. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best with any ongoing care and treatment.
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Review titled Fantastic care
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 06 September 2023
I suffered two heart attacks last year and was taken into the northern general hospital. The care I received from everyone was fantastic. I have since attended out patient appointments and again every one I have dealt with have been brilliant. On Sunday I had to go for a pacemaker device to be fitted. I was extremely nervous but again the ward staff and lab staff were so caring and understanding. I walked out of the ward later the same day feeling I had been cared for in the best way
Visited Cardiology on September 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 11 September 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are really pleased to read that you had a positive experience and were well looked-after during a procedure you were feeling very nervous about. Wishing you all the best with any ongoing care.
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Review titled Orthopaedic/plastic surgery
Rated 4 stars out of 5
by Samantha - Posted on 10 September 2023
I saw my orthopaedic surgeon in may and referred me to plastic surgery.I still have an open wound on my big toe which is failing to heel but have a lot of pain in the toe and the bone and still having bleeding from the wound and pain in my left leg which wakes me up at night .I am on strong medication to take as and when but it’s all the time.I am waiting to see plastic surgeon and keeping my orthopaedic surgeon up to date but it’s just pain and bleeding that’s getting me down.
Visited Orthopaedics on August 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 11 September 2023
We are very sorry to hear that your wound does not seem to be healing sufficiently and you are experiencing pain and discomfort as a result of this. So that we can follow this up, please contact your care teams if you have contact details for them, or if not, please contact our PALS team on 0114 271 2400 or by emailing sth.pals@nhs.net. The PALS team will ask you to share some personal details in order for us to investigate this matter for you. You may wish to consider booking an appointment with your GP to discuss the pain and discomfort that you are experiencing, while you are awaiting your next appointment with your care teams here at STH.
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Review titled Care at its best
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Ian Green - Posted on 11 August 2023
It was clear throughout my stay that I was in the care of a welcoming, friendly and professional team who made it seem that their sole purpose was to inspire my recovery from my accident in the shortest time - yet every other patient must have been similarly motivated such was the team's enthusiasm. When I was suffering a loss of confidence I was continually re-assured and even the criticism was good-hearted. The only downside was the pressure exerted on me to vacate the bed. Strangely this first arose when I was suffering a period of hypotension, had little confidence regarding my mobility and was certainly not suitable for safe discharge. My wife and I had a proposition for my discharge but it seemed that only the hospital's plan was acceptable so the pressure continued. Fortunately, however, thanks to a perceptive, skilful and flexible tradesman, we were able to make changes at home and test them to ensure that all safety issues were covered. I was therefore able to be discharged, probably some 48hrs earlier than following hospital strategy. I was able to save a not insubstantial sum of money and the stress and hassle of purchasing new furniture along with the removal/storage of existing furniture. More importantly, I returned home to continue my recuperation in near-normal circumstances - a huge psychological bonus. Overall, I felt that I was in best place and could not have received better care. Thank you Team NGH, you were superb!
Visited Orthopaedics on August 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 11 September 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent experience of care with our services. We are really pleased to read that you felt well cared-for and that staff were reassuring and encouraging, to help support your recovery. We are sorry to hear that it felt like there was some pressure for you to be discharged, and are glad to hear that you were able to make relevant adjustments at home to allow you to be discharged home safely and continue your recovery in a comfortable environment for you. Once again, thank you for sharing this feedback and wishing you all the best with your recovery.
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Review titled Fantastic care and service
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Sally Griffiths - Posted on 10 August 2023
I recently had a colonoscopy in the endoscopy unit at the Northern General Hospital. I was nervous about the procedure, however found the staff so reassuring and caring from start to finish. Special thanks to the 3 wonderful staff members who cared for me during my procedure. I’m not sure I would have got through it without your kindness, easy conversations, humour and reassurance. Truly appreciated. You all work so hard. You made this scary experience possible for me, treated me as an individual and with genuine empathy and professionalism. What a team. Thank you very much for looking after me :)
Visited Colorectal cancer services on August 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 11 September 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are really pleased to read that you had a positive experience and was treated with kindness and empathy to help you during what was a scary experience for you. Wishing you all the best with any ongoing care.
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Review titled Amazing care
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Karen Young - Posted on 26 July 2023
I arrived at the hand clinic for orif surgery on 10th July. From the moment I walked through the door everyone was so kind and efficient. I met the anesthetist and explained I wanted a nerve block. He was so kind and happy to agree to my request. Obviously I was nervous when I went to the anesthetic room. With humour and kindness I felt reassured and confident I was in safe hands. My surgery went without a hitch and tge surgeon answered my questions when I wanted to know what was happening. When I returned to the ward the nurse was kind and attentive. My situation changed after 15 minutes and I was in excruciating pain. I was given morphine and explained that I had been told my pain relief should have lasted for 15 hours. My pain did not abate so I asked the nurse to call the anesthetist which she did and I was then taken back for another nerve block. Within a very short time I was well enough to leave hospital. I want to thank everyone involved in my care on the day of my surgery. Everyone was so kind and understanding. It was a big operation and I was awake for the whole time so it was an ordeal. I feel so fortunate to have been treated at the northern general A week later I was still in a lot of pain and my hand look a misshapen. I called the ward and an emergency appointment was arranged. After another xray , a change of dressing and information about pain relief I left hospital again feeling content and knowing I was on the road to recovery. thank you
Visited Orthopaedics on July 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 01 August 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent experience of care with our services. We are really pleased to read that you felt well cared-for and that staff were good throughout your admission and communicated well with you throughout your care both pre- and post-surgery. It's good to hear that you felt well looked-after at a time which must have felt quite stressful. We are also please to hear that your follow up care has been good, and any concerns you have had have been dealt with quickly for you. Once again, thank you for sharing this feedback and wishing you all the best with your recovery.
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Review titled Waiting for meds
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Kathleen - Posted on 18 July 2023
Hospital care fantastic,doctors and nurses cleaning staff and the tea ladies fantastic, been a model patient and done everything asked of me and last night was told I was going home today, after having my leg amputated I was looking forward to get a good nights sleep, and then for the biggest disappointment was told yet again my meds wasn’t done so have to wait till tomorrow, my brother had this problem when he was in and it seems a regular occurrence, I will give the hospital 100% but the pharmacy needs looking at,
Visited Vascular surgery on July 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 01 August 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent experience of care with our services. We are really pleased to read that you felt well cared-for and that staff were good throughout your admission. However, we are sorry to hear that you had a less positive experience with your discharge which was delayed due to your medication not being ready. If you wish to follow this up, please contact our PALS team on 0114 271 2400 or by emailing sth.pals@nhs.net. The PALS team will ask you to share some personal details in order for us to investigate this matter for you.
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Review titled First class care
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Gordon Kitching - Posted on 05 July 2023
Recently, my wife attended the endoscopy unit for a routine colonoscopy examination. We were there in ample time for the appointment and she was treated respectfully, quickly and with a copious amount of care. Having been contacted to collect her by phone, I hastily drove down to the hospital. I couldn't find a parking place which made me anxious but managed to find a 'limited time' place close to the endoscopy ward. I went into the day care centre and explained my situation to which the lady on reception calmed me and said it was OK. I was then able to quickly find my wife who on the drive home, explained the considerable care she'd received throughout her treatment. Please pass on my deepest thankyou to everyone involved. Gordon Kitching
Visited Older people's services on July 2023
Review titled Northern General Hospital
Replied on 01 August 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us about your recent positive experience. We are pleased to hear the good quality of care your wife received throughout her appointment. We are glad to hear that the reception team were also very helpful to you when you came to collect your wife and wanted to check whether you were ok to park where you had. Thanks again for sharing your positive feedback for the team. Wishing you and your wife all the best.
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Information supplied by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust