Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Barrack Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5DWContact details and Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
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Reviews
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Review titled Breast Clinic needs improvement
Rated 1 star out of 5
by Anonymous - Posted on 23 October 2023
I attended the breast clinic after being referred by my GP. The only positive from my experience is that I was seen quickly - I think the rest my review might explain why. The staff member who was performing the scan cut me off when I was explaining my symptoms, scanned one small area of my breast for max 20 seconds, told me I didn’t have cancer and that that’s all they care about, before leaving the room without checking if I was satisfied that me concerns had been resolved (which they hadn’t). This staff member may be the best radiographer in the world, but that doesn’t matter a jot if their patient doesn’t leave feeling reassured. 1. By cutting me off I felt like they were rushing, didn’t care and didn’t fully understand my concerns. 2. By scanning for no longer than 20 seconds I felt like they were rushing and not being thorough in their examination and may have missed something. 3. Normally in ultrasound scans the radiographer lets you view the screen while they’re scanning which offers a bit of extra reassurance, but they didn’t do this. 4. When I told them I didn’t feel reassured as I felt there must be an explanation for my symptoms, they said they only care about cancer. There are lots of conditions that aren’t cancer but may still need monitoring or follow up, so by saying this I felt they were being dismissive. 5. After they had finished the 20 second scan, they left the room without asking me if I was happy or if I had any questions. Women feel especially vulnerable when going to be examined on an intimate body part and they should feel like they’re in safe hands and the clinicians should be respectful, thorough and allow the patient to leave feeling completely reassured. In my experience, it was rushed, slap-dash and patronising and whoever runs this clinic should be reviewing the whole process and in particular what level of care is being provided during ultrasound scans.
Visited Breast cancer services on October 2023
Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 24 October 2023
Dear Patient Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. I am sorry to hear that you felt rushed on your last appointment and that you didn't leave feeling reassured, this is not what we would wish for. Due to the anonymous nature of this feedback I am unable to fully comment on your experience, however if you still have outstanding concerns please contact our PALS team on rduh.PALS-eastern@nhs.net. The PALS team will be able to liaise with the service for you and respond to any outstanding questions you may have along with forwarding your feedback. Thank you once again for contacting us. Kind regards Lisa
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Review titled Fantastic experience from start to finish
by KG56 - Posted on 23 October 2023
Fantastic experience from start to finish. The process was extremely efficient and all the staff were kind, caring and friendly.
Visited October 2023
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Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 23 October 2023
Dear KG56, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. I am delighted to hear that you are so happy with the care you have received and would like to thank you very much for your positive feedback. Kind comments such as yours are always gratefully received and are an encouragement to staff. Kind regards Karen Facey Patient Experience Royal Devon University Healthcare (Eastern)
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Review titled Care after A&E admitted
by Timcx23 - Posted on 07 November 2023
I had a high pulse rate and called 111. They said I must go to A&E at RD&E Exeter as quick as possible and had a 16:00 hrs slot booked. They saw me at about 16:30 and I was it was quickly determined that I should be admitted for diagnosis and treatment. I was moved the Acute Medical Unit West and given suitable drugs. The staff care was exceptional and I was reassured that I should be fine. I am 77 years old and haven't experienced hospital care for over 70 years! The consultant explained everything the next morning and I improved and was allowed home on the Sunday evening with a new drug regime that seems to be working fine. I have joined the MY Care online scheme and am amazed at the help available.
Visited October 2023
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Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 08 November 2023
Dear Timcx23, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. I am delighted to hear that you are so happy with the care you have received and would like to thank you very much for your positive feedback. Kind comments such as yours are always gratefully received and are an encouragement to staff. I do hope you are well on the road to recovery now. Kind regards Karen Facey Patient Experience Royal Devon University Healthcare (Eastern)
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Review titled Trying to check in for a scan, reception was shut.
by Patient whoxant walk far - Posted on 18 October 2023
This evening I visited the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) CT Department Mobile van for a scan. I was asked to report to a blue portacabin where ‘our receptionist will check you in’. The cabin was shut and there was a note on the door saying, ‘ report to scanning reception’ in the main hospital’ I went into the women’s hospital where someone was kind enough to walk me to the ‘scanning reception’ all the length of the building where they gave me a ticket and a map to walk the length of the building again. Which I was in too much pain to do and I was then kindly in a wheelchair back to where I had started. There was another lady who could not see what she was supposed to do and had to walk the same distance. It is unacceptable to make people who are in pain to walk this kind of distance and leave them so poorly supported, I found the whole experience very upsetting and disempowering. I have no complaints with any of the staff who were all unfailingly kind, it is the admin and lack of plan B and consideration for the patient/customer that is depressing, I no longer feel safe with the NHS.
Visited October 2023
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Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 18 October 2023
Dear Patient whoxant walk far Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. I am sorry to hear of your recent experience when you visited our mobile CT scanner. I have discussed your feedback with the Administration Service Manager for Diagnostic Imaging. They have informed me that usual practice is to avoid booking any patients with mobility issues into the mobile CT scanner due to the distance from check in. Usually the appointment letter will ask patients that experience mobility issues to contact the bookings team so that an alternative appointment can be scheduled that doesn't involve the longer walk to the mobile scanner. We are aware that there was a recent administration error that meant this request was not included within some letters. We would like to apologise for this and your resulting experience. The letter has now been rectified to stop this being repeated in the future. We would like to thank you once again for your feedback and your kind words about our staff in the department. Best wishes Lisa
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Review titled Women's Health
by junemf34 - Posted on 10 November 2023
Following a routine smear test at my GP surgery the results came back showing abnormal cervical cervical cytology high risk. Within 2 weeks I was seen in the Royal Devon Women’s Health department where laser treatment (Lletz) was advised. Within a further 2 weeks I was back seeing a gynaecologist and having the treatment and within days the results came back with the all clear. Naturally this was quite a worrying time, the nursing staff and the Dr were kind and compassionate relating to me as a real person giving reassurance but also been open and honest in response to my questions. Given all the media coverage about long waiting lists in cancer services I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive the Royal Devon Women’s Health Department was with my care. Waiting for test results and appointments can be very stressful so full marks to this hospital for giving such compassionate and timely care.
Visited October 2023
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Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 13 November 2023
Dear Junemf34, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, (Centre for Women's Health),I am delighted to hear that you are so happy with the care you have received and would like to thank you very much for your positive feedback. I am pleased to hear you have had your treatment and the results are positive. Kind comments such as yours are always gratefully received and are an encouragement to staff. Kind regards Karen Facey Patient Experience Royal Devon University Healthcare (Eastern)
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Review titled First class from admission to discharge
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by David Greig - Posted on 05 October 2023
The general standards that I experienced during a six day hospital stay, following emergency admission, were far above my expectations. Medical attention from ambulance, through A and E, ICU and a general ward was exemplary. The catering provided just the right choice of tempting meals, well presented and served hot on the ward by pleasant, friendly staff. Hot drinks regularly provided with cake and biscuits to ruin my slimming good intentions! Needless to say nursing care was impeccable both day and night notwithstanding obvious staffing pressures. A high standard of ward hygiene and cleanliness was maintained throughout and personal protective equipment always correctly worn. The hospital chaplaincy were swiftly responsive to my request for a visit, with comforting pastoral care at the bedside. Discharge was effective and efficient. Future treatment and supply of ongoing medication clearly and concisely explained with appropriate backup in writing. Transport, with a voluntary charitable organisation, was organised efficiently by ward clerk and discharge team and swiftly provided. Obvious pressures on the health care system did not at any stage compromise my treatment which is a testament to the well run organisation providing my care.
Visited Infectious Diseases on October 2023
Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 13 October 2023
Dear Patient, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. I am delighted to hear that you are so happy with the care you have received and would like to thank you very much for your positive feedback. Kind comments such as yours are always gratefully received and are an encouragement to staff. I will ensure your comments get passed to the correct teams who looked after you. Kind regards Karen Patient Experience Royal Devon University Healthcare (Eastern)
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Review titled Staff were always there for you with a smile
by scorecardww89 - Posted on 10 November 2023
The moment I arrived to the day I was discharged 6 days and nights. I received 5 star service from the tea lady to the Drs. The nurses were run off their feet but always there for you with a smile. The food was excellent. I cannot fault anything. Well done all. You are a credit to the n.h.s.
Visited October 2023
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Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 13 November 2023
Dear Scorecardww89, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Cardiology department. I am delighted to hear that you are so happy with the care you have received and would like to thank you very much for your positive feedback. Kind comments such as yours are always gratefully received and are an encouragement to staff. Kind regards Karen Facey Patient Experience Royal Devon University Healthcare (Eastern)
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Review titled Retrack previous review and build bridges
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Theresa Dunlop - Posted on 26 October 2023
I wrote a review a while back and I wish to apologise to all at Wonford. What they do here is amazing and I wish to apologise. I recently came back due to being fluid overloaded and feeling very unwell. The nurses quickly got me back on track. You all at Wonford are amazing. Your care given to the patients is just amazing. I would recommend this centre to all. Again, I am deeply sorry for my first review.
Visited Nephrology on October 2023
Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 26 October 2023
Dear Patient Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback for us. We value all feedback, both positive and negative, so there is no need to apologise for the last feedback you left. We use feedback to improve our services wherever possible. I am sorry to hear that you recently suffered from fluid overload but very glad to hear that the team you saw got you feeling better quickly. Once again, thank you for your feedback and I hope you continue to recover well. Kind regards Lisa
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Review titled Well Looked After
Rated 5 stars out of 5
by Wulfy - Posted on 04 January 2024
Broke my leg at football. Cannot fault everybody that has dealt with my care since - on the ward (both the four days waiting for the op and the couple days following it) all staff were amazing, despite very clearly being rushed off their feet. Nurses, healthcare assistants, cooks, cleaners all super nice. Surgeons/doctors all fully explained everything to me at all stages and apologised for the delay in getting the op (not needed, as I understand higher priorities come in emergency departments). The follow up after care appointment was also excellent and not too much waiting (early in the day appointment). Xray, surgeon follow up, physio all fully explaining what was happening. Only gripe is the lack of ability to cancel a follow up appointment - phone line not answering and can't cancel online (a later duplicate appointment was made so the other is now superfluous!).
Visited Orthopaedics on October 2023
Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 10 January 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. I am delighted to hear that you are so happy with the care you have received and would like to thank you very much for your positive feedback. Kind comments such as yours are always gratefully received and are an encouragement to staff. Best Wishes Karen
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Review titled Faultless, seamless delivery of true personal care
by RJCC - Posted on 06 October 2023
Went in for gall bladder surgery recently & want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation. Absolutely everyone within the team without exception were exemplary. From the warm welcome by reception, the informative and effective admissions admin by the HCAs, the attentive service from the auxiliary staff, the super-friendly and reassurance of the ODPs & anaesthetist, and the professional care of the surgeons - faultless, seamless delivery of true personal care. The team are an absolute credit to their professions, and to the NHS, making what could be a very worrying anxious visit into a very positive overall experience from start to finish. I really wanted to personally thank each of them on my way out but due to pain & nausea my partner took me straight out in a wheelchair. Please pass on my genuine thanks to the whole team, everyone was so kind, caring, thoughtful and helpful.
Visited October 2023
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Review titled Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford)
Replied on 06 October 2023
Dear RJCC, Thank you for your kind words about your care and treatment whilst in hospital having your gall bladder surgery. I am so pleased you had such a faultless and seamless experience that is exactly what we endeavour to do for every patient that we come in contact with. Kind regards Patient experience Team RDUH
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Information supplied by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust