West Hertfordshire Hospitals Nhs Trust

Hanging on the line at St Albans? Please call our Hemel switchboard on 01442 213141 who will put you through. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Today’s shining #StarsofHerts award goes to James, Head of Emergency Planning, for his professionalism, leadership and proactive response to situations that could seriously challenge the delivery of services across West Herts. He is a pleasure to work with and is always available for advice and guidance on difficult subjects. His particularly proactive, practical and compassionate response to challenges needs to be acknowledged by all. We quite possibly could not have kept some services running without him and his team. Thank you James – you do a FANTASTIC job and #WeValueYou!

Congratulations to Katie, recruitment manager in HR, who gets today’s #StarsofHerts award. Katie works incredibly hard and is passionate about providing a high quality recruitment service for the Trust. Under her leadership, and through the support of her dedicated and committed team, we have recruited hundreds of extremely talented people, both locally and from overseas, to join #TeamWestHerts in the past year. Colleagues across the organisation recognise Katie as being proactive, approachable, professional, caring and supportive. She’s a role model for the Trust and a pleasure to work with. Thank you Katie, you’re FABULOUS and #WeValueYou!

Our consultant clinical scientist, Bharat, is today’s #StarsofHerts! Bharat is the driving force behind the success and accomplishments of chemical pathology and cares very much about the department. He has great attention to detail and is the go-to person for advice and guidance. Thank you Bharat for all your hard work and determination! #WeValueYou

What a star Katy is! As an MDT Manager in our cancer team she always puts the patients first and gets today’s #StarsofHerts award. She’s a pleasure to work with - always smiling, kind and never complaining. She works so hard managing the team and ensuring that the patients are tracked. We are proud that she works in our division.
Well Katy, it’s a PLEASURE to have you in #TeamWestHerts. Thank you for all that you do. #WeValueYou

**Update: 4.30pm - The phone lines are now working again! **
We are experiencing problems with some phone lines at Hemel Hempstead Hospital and Watford General Hospital.
If you're having difficulty getting through to any departments, please call our main switchboards who will be able to transfer you:
... Watford General Hospital - 01923 244366 Hemel Hempstead Hospital - 01442 213141 St Albans City Hospital - 01727 866122
We're very sorry for the inconvenience and are working hard to resolve the problem.
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Emily, a junior sister at St Albans hospital, gets our #StarsofHerts award for today. She makes sure that our elderly patients feel welcome and always tries to improve their experience in hospital, even buying them shampoo and shower gels! Her dedication and leadership style is admired by patients and she really lives the values of the organisation in everything she does.
One of her nominators said “She is just brilliant!”
Thank you Emily. We agree, you are BRILLIANT and #WeValueYou!

**Update: 4.30pm - The phone lines are now working again! **
We are experiencing problems with our phone lines at Hemel Hempstead Hospital and Watford General Hospital.
Please call the Hemel switchboard on 01442 213141 if you cannot directly dial into our departments.
... At Watford General it's not possible to directly dial extensions beginning with an 8. Please call the switchboard at Watford on 01923 244366 and ask to be transferred.
We're very sorry for the inconvenience and are working hard to resolve the problem.
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Interested in finding out more about #Pathology? Then visit the Kitchen at Watford General (today, 30 July, until 4pm) where you can find out more about the fab work of Harvey's Gang and lots of other fascinating things about tissue cells and resistance. #BiomedicalScience

The Urgent Treatment Centre will now REMAIN OPEN tonight (Sat 28 July) as usual until 10pm. The UTC is staffed by a GP and a triage nurse who can direct to other services if necessary. The UTC will be open as normal from 8am to 10pm on Sunday.
Sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.

The Urgent Treatment Centre at Hemel Hempstead Hospital will close at 7pm tonight (Saturday 28 July) due to staff sickness. Please call NHS111 which can direct you to alternative out of hours services. The UTC will be open as usual from 8am to 10pm on Sunday.

Hanging on the line at Hemel? Please call our switchboard at Hemel Hempstead Hospital on 01442 213141 if you can't get through to our departments directly. Sorry for the inconvenience.

As the #heatwave continues, please remember to stay hydrated and cool and look out for elderly neighbours and those with long term conditions. For more information and advice visit nhs.uk/heatwave #KeepCool

This is Zoltan, a physiotherapy assistant, who is today’s #StarsofHerts. He epitomises compassionate care and the Trust’s values and consistently delivers exceptional patient care. He recently stopped at a charity shop to buy a patient some new CD’s to listen to and brings newspapers for his patients every day. His demeanour with patients and staff alike is kind and respectful and he is an asset to the physiotherapy team. Thank you Zoltan! #WeValueYou

Our wonderful volunteers were treated to afternoon tea yesterday - the least we can do for all their kindness, care and time. #WeValueYou

Keeping our amazing staff at #TeamWestHerts cool in the #heatwave today with ice cream vans at each of our hospitals! #KeepingCool 😎🍦

Extremely high temperatures are forecast for today as the Met Office's level 3 heatwave alert continues. Please remember to stay hydrated and cool and check on elderly neighbours or those with long term conditions.
For more information and advice visit https://bit.ly/2z1o0gZ #Heatwave

🌡#Heatwave advice:
🌞 Stay out of sun between 11am & 3pm
🚗 Don't leave anyone alone in stationary cars
... 💧Drink plenty of water
🍷Avoid alcohol & caffeinated drinks
🏃‍♂️ Avoid extreme exercise
👴👵 Check on the elderly
🧢 Wear a hat & loose clothes
🍦 #KeepCool
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Charlotte and Amber are both nurses working in elderly care, and are today’s #StarsofHerts! These two nurses have been nominated for their cheerful demeanour and the compassionate care that they give to all of their patients. They provide inspirational leadership as well as exceptional mentoring of both doctors and nurses alike. Congratulations Charlotte and Amber, what great roles models you are! #WeValueYou.

Well done to today’s #StarsofHerts, Pauline, who is PA to the senior management team in our surgery, anaesthetics & cancer division. She does an amazing job & works with relentless focus. The team couldn’t keep up the pace without her! Thank you Pauline, you’re fab & #WeValueYou!

Without any doubt, the staff here really are passionate about what they do. Nothing affects their ability to deliver world class service. The care and compassion every individual has from the cleaners to super consultant are really out of this world. Thank you to all staff here without you I would be lost!

There could be 1 or so things that might not go according to plan. But as someone who has frequently gone to this hospital I see these people as so hard working ..the doctor I saw yesterday will go into detail with my treatment blood test.and I have seen him treating his patients with dignity despite who you are..but General i bare with what ever delay because these people have so much to do.

The hospital is as best as it can be, bearing in mind the age of the building. I was an out patient in the Encology Department, and it was spotless. The staff were amazing - caring and friendly and very efficient. I can't thank them enough. Got to love our NHS ���

Thank you Starfish ward for looking after my daughter with such patience, fun and care. Thank you doctors and surgeons for everything you have done - beyond brilliant. Thank you Playteam & the care volunteers for your time and kindness.

So yesterday my daughter fell and broke her foot the staff both in a and e and the starfish ward looked after her impeccably we are so lucky to have such great staff and the NHS ..... obviously was very distressing time for us but knew we were receiving great treatment. Thank you

Nothing but total admiration for all the staff and the amazing job they do not matter what the circumstances are, everything is faced with professionalism and long may they continue and must be backed by successive administrations.

Thank you so much for the way you have treated me this time as you have in the past when I have been ill and I am forever in your debt xx

Maternity is the best department, better than another hospital I have heard friends and family talk about. Yes the building is old, the parking on a hill and expensive but it is the people that make it. From the cleaners, kitchen staff and receptionists, to the nurses, doctors and consultants every member of staff I met was wonderful during a 5 day stay in Maternity. Their printer was broken but the medical equipment was top notch, yes it could be more efficient, they could have discharged us earlier but they prioritise care over admin. We were so amazed by the wonderful compassion and understanding shown to us by people who didn't even know what we were going through. And it was clean - so clean! I saw how many times they went round and did a thorough job each time.

I'm In often with my son and the care we receive from A&E right through to the ward is always excellent. The doctors, nurses and all staff members are excellent, and always friendly and the care is really good .... And coming from a country where I had private health care, my expectations arent low, for a tax paid service the care here is comparable to private Healthcare in some other countries... We are so lucky to have this amazing service at no upfront cost in the middle of an emergency... The staff at WGH are really doing such a great job

I was in Children's A+E yesterday with my son and a suspected broken elbow. It was so busy in there but they took there time with him and thankfully it wasn't broken! The nurses and all there helpers was absolutely fantastic and I'm very grateful. Thank you guys you really are amazing g people ❤️

I maybe biased but it was the place where I got my first job in the NHS as a physicians' assistant, Senior House Officer at Ambulatory Care Unit. I care what others think of the trust but I would like them to know that we are here for you.

I had amazing care, even whilst waiting to be treated, everyone was offered sandwiches and a hot drink, there was also freshly filled squosh and water jugs, all staff was happy to help with anything that included the porters. The room was constantly being wiped down. Everyone was in quite a good mood considering they were not at all well. This is due to the staffs happy attitude around everyone. More than happy to come back to Watford again.

Hello - is there any chance a member of your social media team could reply to my message sent previously?

Had a very scary night last night my 12 month had a febrile seizure for the first time. From the 999 call to the ambulance arriving so quick - to then receive great care in the children’s a&e (which was so busy)we are so thankful to everyone involved. When my daughter was discharged me and my husband felt we really had received the best care and support for our little one. Thank you so much.

As others have mentioned clearly the ageing facilities at this hospital leave a lot to be desired but the hospital is about the people not the building they work in. Both of our children have been born here and the quality of the care my wife and kids have received has been outstanding. The staff go above and beyond every day to try and make the best of the limited resources they have and I for one am truly grateful for that. The NHS is always there for people when they need it most. Those whining about its inadequacies don't have a clue how lucky they are and should have a look at the costs involved in the health services of other countries. Thanks again for the excellent care.

I have venesection at the Helen Donald unit every week and all the staff are friendly. I don't think the staff should be taking all the flack throughout the hospitals as it is due to a downfall in money mainly because we have more people actually living in the UK. If you watch Call the Midwife on the TV you will see how Drs & nurses give their all and this is born from reality. The bigger the community the bigger the costs!!!!!!! It's a no brainer...

My Aunt was in Oxhey Ward. The nurses were excellent. The Doctors and consultant less so. They never told my Aunt what was going on. The discharge lounge and pharmacy are a joke. My aunt was discharged from the ward at 9-30 she got her medication from the pharmacy just before 4pm. And then the medication she had taken into hospital were not there. They had been left up on the ward. This was after she had been told that it had gone to the pharmacy. My Aunt is 80 years old but she has all of her faculties but found the experience of the discharge lounge very upsetting. I think she is going to make an official complaint about the way the pharmacy and the discharge lounge treated her. How it takes 6 and a half hours to dispense a prescription is beyond me

I'm discusted the way my sister as been treated in there Elizabeth ward she asnt eaten nothing since yesterday the nurse came round with the team time sheets in which my sister said ham salad then when time comes.hope she didn't get what she wanted a chicken tickla sandwich she didn't want this ended up with toast I feel sorry for the old who are there they would be ignored. There not careing and don't care .I think now a complaint is in order the way she was treated I'm fumming.dont do the job if not careing.

Service is a joke called me to attend an appointment got there sat for thirty minutes only then to be told they had made yet another mistake and they would rearrange an appointment in a few weeks to the consultant , one mistake after another not filled with any confidence thus seeing my GP to transfer me to another trust.

Is it normal for your Consultants to contradict other Consultants? Also we as a family were told my dad had a micro bleed on the brain yet this same Consultant said it didn’t happen & we weren’t told that? Why would my dad be on the stroke ward when he hasn’t had a stroke according to this Consultant & even though a different Consultant told him 2 weeks ago he had a stroke the one today said he never and the other Consultants doesn’t know what she’s on about? It’s an absolute joke, in the meantime my dad is getting sicker and sicker and no one knows what is wrong with him and are not investigating -

Without any doubt, the staff here really are passionate about what they do. Nothing affects their ability to deliver world class service. The care and compassion every individual has from the cleaners to super consultant are really out of this world. Thank you to all staff here without you I would be lost!

There could be 1 or so things that might not go according to plan. But as someone who has frequently gone to this hospital I see these people as so hard working ..the doctor I saw yesterday will go into detail with my treatment blood test.and I have seen him treating his patients with dignity despite who you are..but General i bare with what ever delay because these people have so much to do.

The hospital is as best as it can be, bearing in mind the age of the building. I was an out patient in the Encology Department, and it was spotless. The staff were amazing - caring and friendly and very efficient. I can't thank them enough. Got to love our NHS ���

Thank you Starfish ward for looking after my daughter with such patience, fun and care. Thank you doctors and surgeons for everything you have done - beyond brilliant. Thank you Playteam & the care volunteers for your time and kindness.

So yesterday my daughter fell and broke her foot the staff both in a and e and the starfish ward looked after her impeccably we are so lucky to have such great staff and the NHS ..... obviously was very distressing time for us but knew we were receiving great treatment. Thank you

Nothing but total admiration for all the staff and the amazing job they do not matter what the circumstances are, everything is faced with professionalism and long may they continue and must be backed by successive administrations.

Thank you so much for the way you have treated me this time as you have in the past when I have been ill and I am forever in your debt xx

Maternity is the best department, better than another hospital I have heard friends and family talk about. Yes the building is old, the parking on a hill and expensive but it is the people that make it. From the cleaners, kitchen staff and receptionists, to the nurses, doctors and consultants every member of staff I met was wonderful during a 5 day stay in Maternity. Their printer was broken but the medical equipment was top notch, yes it could be more efficient, they could have discharged us earlier but they prioritise care over admin. We were so amazed by the wonderful compassion and understanding shown to us by people who didn't even know what we were going through. And it was clean - so clean! I saw how many times they went round and did a thorough job each time.

I'm In often with my son and the care we receive from A&E right through to the ward is always excellent. The doctors, nurses and all staff members are excellent, and always friendly and the care is really good .... And coming from a country where I had private health care, my expectations arent low, for a tax paid service the care here is comparable to private Healthcare in some other countries... We are so lucky to have this amazing service at no upfront cost in the middle of an emergency... The staff at WGH are really doing such a great job

I was in Children's A+E yesterday with my son and a suspected broken elbow. It was so busy in there but they took there time with him and thankfully it wasn't broken! The nurses and all there helpers was absolutely fantastic and I'm very grateful. Thank you guys you really are amazing g people ❤️

I maybe biased but it was the place where I got my first job in the NHS as a physicians' assistant, Senior House Officer at Ambulatory Care Unit. I care what others think of the trust but I would like them to know that we are here for you.

I had amazing care, even whilst waiting to be treated, everyone was offered sandwiches and a hot drink, there was also freshly filled squosh and water jugs, all staff was happy to help with anything that included the porters. The room was constantly being wiped down. Everyone was in quite a good mood considering they were not at all well. This is due to the staffs happy attitude around everyone. More than happy to come back to Watford again.

Hello - is there any chance a member of your social media team could reply to my message sent previously?

Had a very scary night last night my 12 month had a febrile seizure for the first time. From the 999 call to the ambulance arriving so quick - to then receive great care in the children’s a&e (which was so busy)we are so thankful to everyone involved. When my daughter was discharged me and my husband felt we really had received the best care and support for our little one. Thank you so much.

As others have mentioned clearly the ageing facilities at this hospital leave a lot to be desired but the hospital is about the people not the building they work in. Both of our children have been born here and the quality of the care my wife and kids have received has been outstanding. The staff go above and beyond every day to try and make the best of the limited resources they have and I for one am truly grateful for that. The NHS is always there for people when they need it most. Those whining about its inadequacies don't have a clue how lucky they are and should have a look at the costs involved in the health services of other countries. Thanks again for the excellent care.

I have venesection at the Helen Donald unit every week and all the staff are friendly. I don't think the staff should be taking all the flack throughout the hospitals as it is due to a downfall in money mainly because we have more people actually living in the UK. If you watch Call the Midwife on the TV you will see how Drs & nurses give their all and this is born from reality. The bigger the community the bigger the costs!!!!!!! It's a no brainer...

My Aunt was in Oxhey Ward. The nurses were excellent. The Doctors and consultant less so. They never told my Aunt what was going on. The discharge lounge and pharmacy are a joke. My aunt was discharged from the ward at 9-30 she got her medication from the pharmacy just before 4pm. And then the medication she had taken into hospital were not there. They had been left up on the ward. This was after she had been told that it had gone to the pharmacy. My Aunt is 80 years old but she has all of her faculties but found the experience of the discharge lounge very upsetting. I think she is going to make an official complaint about the way the pharmacy and the discharge lounge treated her. How it takes 6 and a half hours to dispense a prescription is beyond me

I'm discusted the way my sister as been treated in there Elizabeth ward she asnt eaten nothing since yesterday the nurse came round with the team time sheets in which my sister said ham salad then when time comes.hope she didn't get what she wanted a chicken tickla sandwich she didn't want this ended up with toast I feel sorry for the old who are there they would be ignored. There not careing and don't care .I think now a complaint is in order the way she was treated I'm fumming.dont do the job if not careing.

Service is a joke called me to attend an appointment got there sat for thirty minutes only then to be told they had made yet another mistake and they would rearrange an appointment in a few weeks to the consultant , one mistake after another not filled with any confidence thus seeing my GP to transfer me to another trust.

Is it normal for your Consultants to contradict other Consultants? Also we as a family were told my dad had a micro bleed on the brain yet this same Consultant said it didn’t happen & we weren’t told that? Why would my dad be on the stroke ward when he hasn’t had a stroke according to this Consultant & even though a different Consultant told him 2 weeks ago he had a stroke the one today said he never and the other Consultants doesn’t know what she’s on about? It’s an absolute joke, in the meantime my dad is getting sicker and sicker and no one knows what is wrong with him and are not investigating -