The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Reviews

User

#Mandela100 May his great legacy continue for many generations!

User

The Princess Alexandra Hospital is currently very busy.
For routine and non-urgent advice please contact your GP or local primary care services.
For free urgent treatment or medical attention, at any time of night or day, call the NHS on 111
... Please remember to only attend A&E if your situation is an emergency or life threatening.
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User

Don't forget people if you want to tackle giving up smoking,šŸš­ get support from Provide Stop Smoking advisers at our newšŸ„ patients and visitors centre throughout July from Tuesday to Thursday! Remember you can do it! šŸ‘Œ https://www.essexlifestyleservice.org.uk/ stop-smoking/

User

Celebrating 40 years of committed public service by our amazing Deputy Chief Nurse Sharon Cullen. We are proud to work with such an amazing and dedicated lady!

User

Want to give up the dreaded weed? šŸš­ Come and visit the Provide 'Stop smoking' advisers throughout July at our new šŸ„Patients and visitors centre from Tuesday to Thursday from 10am - 3pm šŸ˜€

User

And weā€™re up up and away! Criteria led discharge is now live at Tye Green ward!

User

Staff were treated to a free breakfast or lunch today from our Alexandra staff restaurant! A big thank to all our amazing people on this historic day! #NHS70

User

We have a display of the history of The Princess Alexandra hospital in our new visitors and patients centre. Come along and see!

User

Today our amazing people @nhsharlow celebrated with a #NHS70 selfie!

User

Our talented catering staff made this delicious #NHS70 cake!

User

Getting into the NHS70 birthday spirit was our staff doing the obligatory selfie! #NHS70

User

just want to give a huge shout out to all the staff in the a&e department for their excellent care you gave my mum this afternoon.too many of you to mention .

she is back home feeling heaps better .

my thanks also to the security team for their care and kindness too .it meant a great deal to us .

User

You were there for me yet again when I needed an emergency appendectomy this week. As always from the second we arrived at the hospital, the doctors and nurses couldn't do enough for me despite all the pressure they are clearly under. Over the years having had various operations here and safely delivering my 2 children, I cannot speak highly enough of this hospital and its staff and cannot be more thankful that we have somewhere like this that we can all rely on when we really need them.

Keep up the good work and thank you again!!

User

Would just like to thank the staff today for dealing with my sons sprained ankle quickly and efficiently. Did not make me feel like I was over reacting by getting it checked and told me that if it happens again to take him straight there.

I am of the belief that the NHS is overstretched as it is and would only use A&E for emergencies but when it comes to my children I do worry. I was made to feel like there was nothing more important than his health and we were in and out as quickly as possible.

Extra thanks to Steve in EMP for explaining his x-ray to him and showing us where to go

User

Very impressed with the treatment I received. The staff in A&E were all excellent, apart from the arrogant Senior Sister who rudely interrupted the paramedic taking my blood to tell him to go and move a chair (no Iā€™m not making it up).



There is unfortunately always one egomaniac who spoils it for every department.

User

Unfortunately over the past couple of months weā€™ve had to use the hospital a lot. Weā€™ve had the best possible treatment and all of the nurses,doctors and Hcaā€™s work so hard and treated us so respectfully.

A and E is busy and wait times are long but the NHS is something we should be proud of. I hope the staff are all proud of the excellent work they do.

User

The NHS get such bad press more often than not so itā€™s only right and proper they should get praise when itā€™s due.



Yesterday I pierced a finger near the knuckle on a hawthorn thorn. This morning itā€™s very swollen and I canā€™t moved it. I called 111 who advised A&E. I rand PAH as I didnā€™t want to waste anyoneā€™s time and they said come to MIC.



Everyone from the lady I spoke to on the phone to the receptionist to Sarah in the Minor Injuries were brilliant. They were all so helpful, Sarah in particular was very informative and could not have been more pleasant. Thank you PAH. Credit to the NHS

User

Kidney stone ļæ½



I went at A&E with severe pain in my amdomen. I was seen in a very short time and then admitted for CT scan and found with a piece of kindney stone moving down to the bladder.

I found all the staff extremely efficient and dealt with in a professional and caring manner. Thank you ļæ½

User

I attended the hospital today and was admitted into the day stay unit and I cannot fault how I was treated, I was cared for in a professional and caring way by every member of staff which calmed my nerves and made me feel at ease during my wait, operation and recovery, I have no complaints at all and Iā€™m extremely glad I had my procedure done at this hospital!! ļæ½

User

Having just spent 6 hours in the children's accident and emergency I cannot thank the staff of this busy department enough. Each staff member was kind reassuring and professional. My little grandson was looked after extremely well and nothing was overlooked. You are all doing an amazing job ! Thank you so much xxx

User

Gave birth to my son here in June unfortunately suffered a lot of complications after the birth. The staff on the labour ward were AMAZING, they looked after myself and my son so well I couldnā€™t recommend them enough. They do not get enough praise for the great work they do..... Thank you PAH x

User

Everyone is very quick to complain, yet very late at praise.

Yet again, this afternoon a trip to the childrenā€™s ward as my son had split his head open. Amazing staff as always, down to earth and saw my 3 year old straight away.

With three small boys, blood dirt mud and hurting themselves are second nature to me, and each time I have been over the years, I have never had a problem and they have always been wonderful.

In such a demanding job, with the pressures and lack of breaks, I thank you all.

So for whoever was on the desk and nurses station today at 5ish today, you were wonderful x

Xx

User

As usual , Iā€™m in A and E with my mum!!!

The care she receives EVERY TIME she is admitted is SUPERB!! I will never never have it said that these kind bright wonderful people arenā€™t doing the most fantastic job . I hope youā€™re all reading this . We are so very lucky to be near a Hospital like PAH with the caliber of staff , not only in A and E but on the wards too , especially Lister . Youā€™re all amazing and Iā€™m sure with my poor mumā€™s failing health Iā€™ll be seeing you all again . Thank you ļæ½

User

After i was diagnosed with cancer last year Oct 2017 and then in Feb2018 a hernias ...

This turned my life upside down. I already suffer from anxiety and stress that i am still having courses and traning on.

I would like to say a big thank you to the Surgeons... Doctors and Nurses ...for being

patience and doing a fantastic job.

Its October was the first time i have ever been in hospital myself but to see them in their job roles and what they put up with is beyond believe.. great credit to the NHS..

I am now in full recovery thanks to these guys...

User

I will never complain about the NHS as the treatment you receive is second to none.

It could be a lot better if we knew what was going on whilst waiting after seeing someone. We waited a while after my wife was told she was to have a CT scan, and it was only when I asked a male nurse 2 hours later, that we got taken to the scanning area, also she was told that she will be given painkillers and anti biotics, and once again a long wait until i asked the same nurse, that she was given the medication.

I object to the cost of the car park which I understand is going to a private company, finding somewhere to park is also a problem at this hospital.

User

I became I'll last Wednesday and have been in and out of A&E and 3 Amblances right up until today probably around 40 odd hours night and day and have never seen the staff and departments under so much pressure people stacked up every where I would like to thank all the staff who did their best and should not have too work under such conditions.

User

This is a review on the care of my 90 year old Grandad. If you had asked me last year about the delivery of care from this trust I would have grunted and walked away. This mentality has changed. Firstly, the new appearance of the front entrance is different. Hopefully they will invest the same TLC in the dated nightingale wards.



Recently my grandad attended A&E at 2 am after becoming unwell over night. He was quickly triaged and from my understanding either Accepted by the urology team.. he sat in the waiting area (ungraded from metal frame chairs to an arm chair) but none the less a 90 year old man and his 78 year old wife. Sat and waited to see a doctor until 9am. On presenting to hospital my Grandad had haematuria and was struggling to pass urine: he sat in the arm chair for 7 hours before this was looked at ... he was asked for a sample to the best of his ability, bladder scanned and catheterised with irrigation within 20 minutes of the doctor seeing them at 9am. Quick intervention after a 7 hour struggle.



Both grandparents are as independent as they can be but on this evening no vending facilities were available and it was lucky my nan had packed a sturdy snack for them to get by.



Later that day, he was admitted to Penn ward.



Cleanliness 6/10

Generally clean however a number of ā€˜I am clean stickers with date stamps for 7/8 days previousā€™



Privacy and dignity maintained 0/10



I could tell you what every patient in the bay with my grandfather was admitted with and not due to my curious ears but more the discussions by nursing staff quite openly and in some sense degrading manner.



My grandfather saw a doctor early that morning in what I can assume was a post take ward round. At this point the doctor and as Grandad described his ā€˜minionsā€™ crowded the bed and spoke at him rather than to him. Told him he was going home and that was it. My Grandad however exhausted was elated! At the end of the day who wants to be in hospital?!



By 2 that afternoon after asking 2 HCA, one of which had promised to return with a water jug and never returned, my grandfather still connected to his irrigation - had no clue what was going on? Constantly being told that a member of staff would be back. And never to return. (We know itā€™s busy but where is the communication/ Doctors make plans, donā€™t tell nurses or even worse to tell nurses and they donā€™t then relay to the patients. Whatā€™s worse) - someone tell the man whatā€™s going on.. heā€™s not a child, he can handle pretty much anything. Yet nothing...



So two days later and heā€™s still waiting to go home. Connected to irrigation thatā€™s no longer running and hasnā€™t been since the night before. Imagine staring at an empty bottle thatā€™s connected to a rigid catheter in your never regions that everyone seems to have forgotten is there and nailing you to the bed. (Ironic after seeing the PJ paralysis posters)...



So here comes day 1 doctor on day 3... asking why your still here?! The 90 year old man wants to know the answer to that question as well.





So from my understanding, a trial without catheter should be done as early as possible... this ward seem to think 3 in the afternoon is a great time to take out the catheter and then sit and wait for him to pee back to normal.



Isit me or is this a shambles?



Now for the discharge,



The paper work - incomplete, vague, non descriptive and dated - Harlow this needs work?!



My 90 year old Grandad was discharged home at 7pm. (This could have been avoided)



The reason I rate the experience as ā€˜okayā€™ is on asking my grandad he said the ā€˜sisterā€™ wheeled him down to the main reception and gave him a kiss on the cheek before he left and in 3 days this one act of humility changed his awful experience.



Without this small action from one person extending their job role, Iā€™d personally have the hospital completely turned on itā€™s head.



Patients are people, Harlow please re-educate your staff and tighten your practice.

User

The hospital is an absolute joke.



Went for a scan on Monday at 3pm, after being at A+E the previous Friday, being given anti-biotics, and then phoned over weekend to go for an emergency scan.



Had scan at 3:45pm, saw a surgical doctor at 5:15pm, who said, although scan looked ok from a surgical point of view, a urology doctor would need to see it. Not only did he not bother to arrange this, he did not bother telling us that urology doctors finish at 5pm.



After many conversations with staff about what was happening and why we and a number of other patients seemed to have been overlooked, at 10pm another surgical doctor arrived to tell us exactly the same thing, but that he would pass on the scan to urology for them to contact us to get an appointment to come back.



I spoke to a member of the Site Team, called Mary I think, to explain our frustrations at having to wait for hours only to be told we would have to come back. She was absolutely useless and just kept saying that doctors were seeing patients, obviously not realising that we were also patients who had been waiting all afternoon and evening. She didn't seem capable of grasping the situation at all.



If there are no doctors capable of reviewing scans when they are done, perhaps it would be better just to send people home immediately and give them an appointment when there are doctors around.



I did not here from urology on Tuesday about an appointment, so I rang on Wednesday and was told that IF a doctor came in the office he would review the scan and ring us or post an appointment. No guarantee on what day this would be as they would be dealing with patients. Again, we are patients as well.



When I phoned back to complain about this situation surprise, surprise it was a recorded message.



The hospital is diabolical.

User

I cannot give this hospital any positive reviews due to failings of the hospital in my dads treatment of something that could have been managed better. Sadly he passed away. This was a condition called Dysphagia. At no stage where my father or the family warned of any complications that may occur with this condition. He also had chronic sinusitis which was never treated properly and he kept coughing up a lot of mucus which with the Dysphagia made his life a misery. This should have been dealt with because if he is coughing and cannot swallow then there are issues. Three complaints made to this hospital with no reply to either of them and this is a hospital out of special measures. My brother wants to give the hospital a chance. I do not, they had their chance in the 5 weeks he was in hospital in January after a 23 hour wait in A/E dept. This matter is going to go further through press, MP and ombudsman. There is even a picture of him having to rest on the floor as there were no beds and he was so weak. Even in 3rd world countries patients have a bed. 74 years old and until the this hospital got hold of him a fit and healthy man

User

Hospital staff are mostly good but I have been I. My ward since being moved from another ward and I am still waiting for water and a glass I was moved into ward approx 5pm yesterday lucky I had my own bottled water but still no glass to drink with and just found bedside charter stating TV and Internet costs Ā£2.90 per day lmao

User

just want to give a huge shout out to all the staff in the a&e department for their excellent care you gave my mum this afternoon.too many of you to mention .

she is back home feeling heaps better .

my thanks also to the security team for their care and kindness too .it meant a great deal to us .

User

You were there for me yet again when I needed an emergency appendectomy this week. As always from the second we arrived at the hospital, the doctors and nurses couldn't do enough for me despite all the pressure they are clearly under. Over the years having had various operations here and safely delivering my 2 children, I cannot speak highly enough of this hospital and its staff and cannot be more thankful that we have somewhere like this that we can all rely on when we really need them.

Keep up the good work and thank you again!!

User

Would just like to thank the staff today for dealing with my sons sprained ankle quickly and efficiently. Did not make me feel like I was over reacting by getting it checked and told me that if it happens again to take him straight there.

I am of the belief that the NHS is overstretched as it is and would only use A&E for emergencies but when it comes to my children I do worry. I was made to feel like there was nothing more important than his health and we were in and out as quickly as possible.

Extra thanks to Steve in EMP for explaining his x-ray to him and showing us where to go

User

Very impressed with the treatment I received. The staff in A&E were all excellent, apart from the arrogant Senior Sister who rudely interrupted the paramedic taking my blood to tell him to go and move a chair (no Iā€™m not making it up).



There is unfortunately always one egomaniac who spoils it for every department.

User

Unfortunately over the past couple of months weā€™ve had to use the hospital a lot. Weā€™ve had the best possible treatment and all of the nurses,doctors and Hcaā€™s work so hard and treated us so respectfully.

A and E is busy and wait times are long but the NHS is something we should be proud of. I hope the staff are all proud of the excellent work they do.

User

The NHS get such bad press more often than not so itā€™s only right and proper they should get praise when itā€™s due.



Yesterday I pierced a finger near the knuckle on a hawthorn thorn. This morning itā€™s very swollen and I canā€™t moved it. I called 111 who advised A&E. I rand PAH as I didnā€™t want to waste anyoneā€™s time and they said come to MIC.



Everyone from the lady I spoke to on the phone to the receptionist to Sarah in the Minor Injuries were brilliant. They were all so helpful, Sarah in particular was very informative and could not have been more pleasant. Thank you PAH. Credit to the NHS

User

Kidney stone ļæ½



I went at A&E with severe pain in my amdomen. I was seen in a very short time and then admitted for CT scan and found with a piece of kindney stone moving down to the bladder.

I found all the staff extremely efficient and dealt with in a professional and caring manner. Thank you ļæ½

User

I attended the hospital today and was admitted into the day stay unit and I cannot fault how I was treated, I was cared for in a professional and caring way by every member of staff which calmed my nerves and made me feel at ease during my wait, operation and recovery, I have no complaints at all and Iā€™m extremely glad I had my procedure done at this hospital!! ļæ½

User

Having just spent 6 hours in the children's accident and emergency I cannot thank the staff of this busy department enough. Each staff member was kind reassuring and professional. My little grandson was looked after extremely well and nothing was overlooked. You are all doing an amazing job ! Thank you so much xxx

User

Gave birth to my son here in June unfortunately suffered a lot of complications after the birth. The staff on the labour ward were AMAZING, they looked after myself and my son so well I couldnā€™t recommend them enough. They do not get enough praise for the great work they do..... Thank you PAH x

User

Everyone is very quick to complain, yet very late at praise.

Yet again, this afternoon a trip to the childrenā€™s ward as my son had split his head open. Amazing staff as always, down to earth and saw my 3 year old straight away.

With three small boys, blood dirt mud and hurting themselves are second nature to me, and each time I have been over the years, I have never had a problem and they have always been wonderful.

In such a demanding job, with the pressures and lack of breaks, I thank you all.

So for whoever was on the desk and nurses station today at 5ish today, you were wonderful x

Xx

User

As usual , Iā€™m in A and E with my mum!!!

The care she receives EVERY TIME she is admitted is SUPERB!! I will never never have it said that these kind bright wonderful people arenā€™t doing the most fantastic job . I hope youā€™re all reading this . We are so very lucky to be near a Hospital like PAH with the caliber of staff , not only in A and E but on the wards too , especially Lister . Youā€™re all amazing and Iā€™m sure with my poor mumā€™s failing health Iā€™ll be seeing you all again . Thank you ļæ½

User

After i was diagnosed with cancer last year Oct 2017 and then in Feb2018 a hernias ...

This turned my life upside down. I already suffer from anxiety and stress that i am still having courses and traning on.

I would like to say a big thank you to the Surgeons... Doctors and Nurses ...for being

patience and doing a fantastic job.

Its October was the first time i have ever been in hospital myself but to see them in their job roles and what they put up with is beyond believe.. great credit to the NHS..

I am now in full recovery thanks to these guys...

User

I will never complain about the NHS as the treatment you receive is second to none.

It could be a lot better if we knew what was going on whilst waiting after seeing someone. We waited a while after my wife was told she was to have a CT scan, and it was only when I asked a male nurse 2 hours later, that we got taken to the scanning area, also she was told that she will be given painkillers and anti biotics, and once again a long wait until i asked the same nurse, that she was given the medication.

I object to the cost of the car park which I understand is going to a private company, finding somewhere to park is also a problem at this hospital.

User

I became I'll last Wednesday and have been in and out of A&E and 3 Amblances right up until today probably around 40 odd hours night and day and have never seen the staff and departments under so much pressure people stacked up every where I would like to thank all the staff who did their best and should not have too work under such conditions.

User

This is a review on the care of my 90 year old Grandad. If you had asked me last year about the delivery of care from this trust I would have grunted and walked away. This mentality has changed. Firstly, the new appearance of the front entrance is different. Hopefully they will invest the same TLC in the dated nightingale wards.



Recently my grandad attended A&E at 2 am after becoming unwell over night. He was quickly triaged and from my understanding either Accepted by the urology team.. he sat in the waiting area (ungraded from metal frame chairs to an arm chair) but none the less a 90 year old man and his 78 year old wife. Sat and waited to see a doctor until 9am. On presenting to hospital my Grandad had haematuria and was struggling to pass urine: he sat in the arm chair for 7 hours before this was looked at ... he was asked for a sample to the best of his ability, bladder scanned and catheterised with irrigation within 20 minutes of the doctor seeing them at 9am. Quick intervention after a 7 hour struggle.



Both grandparents are as independent as they can be but on this evening no vending facilities were available and it was lucky my nan had packed a sturdy snack for them to get by.



Later that day, he was admitted to Penn ward.



Cleanliness 6/10

Generally clean however a number of ā€˜I am clean stickers with date stamps for 7/8 days previousā€™



Privacy and dignity maintained 0/10



I could tell you what every patient in the bay with my grandfather was admitted with and not due to my curious ears but more the discussions by nursing staff quite openly and in some sense degrading manner.



My grandfather saw a doctor early that morning in what I can assume was a post take ward round. At this point the doctor and as Grandad described his ā€˜minionsā€™ crowded the bed and spoke at him rather than to him. Told him he was going home and that was it. My Grandad however exhausted was elated! At the end of the day who wants to be in hospital?!



By 2 that afternoon after asking 2 HCA, one of which had promised to return with a water jug and never returned, my grandfather still connected to his irrigation - had no clue what was going on? Constantly being told that a member of staff would be back. And never to return. (We know itā€™s busy but where is the communication/ Doctors make plans, donā€™t tell nurses or even worse to tell nurses and they donā€™t then relay to the patients. Whatā€™s worse) - someone tell the man whatā€™s going on.. heā€™s not a child, he can handle pretty much anything. Yet nothing...



So two days later and heā€™s still waiting to go home. Connected to irrigation thatā€™s no longer running and hasnā€™t been since the night before. Imagine staring at an empty bottle thatā€™s connected to a rigid catheter in your never regions that everyone seems to have forgotten is there and nailing you to the bed. (Ironic after seeing the PJ paralysis posters)...



So here comes day 1 doctor on day 3... asking why your still here?! The 90 year old man wants to know the answer to that question as well.





So from my understanding, a trial without catheter should be done as early as possible... this ward seem to think 3 in the afternoon is a great time to take out the catheter and then sit and wait for him to pee back to normal.



Isit me or is this a shambles?



Now for the discharge,



The paper work - incomplete, vague, non descriptive and dated - Harlow this needs work?!



My 90 year old Grandad was discharged home at 7pm. (This could have been avoided)



The reason I rate the experience as ā€˜okayā€™ is on asking my grandad he said the ā€˜sisterā€™ wheeled him down to the main reception and gave him a kiss on the cheek before he left and in 3 days this one act of humility changed his awful experience.



Without this small action from one person extending their job role, Iā€™d personally have the hospital completely turned on itā€™s head.



Patients are people, Harlow please re-educate your staff and tighten your practice.

User

The hospital is an absolute joke.



Went for a scan on Monday at 3pm, after being at A+E the previous Friday, being given anti-biotics, and then phoned over weekend to go for an emergency scan.



Had scan at 3:45pm, saw a surgical doctor at 5:15pm, who said, although scan looked ok from a surgical point of view, a urology doctor would need to see it. Not only did he not bother to arrange this, he did not bother telling us that urology doctors finish at 5pm.



After many conversations with staff about what was happening and why we and a number of other patients seemed to have been overlooked, at 10pm another surgical doctor arrived to tell us exactly the same thing, but that he would pass on the scan to urology for them to contact us to get an appointment to come back.



I spoke to a member of the Site Team, called Mary I think, to explain our frustrations at having to wait for hours only to be told we would have to come back. She was absolutely useless and just kept saying that doctors were seeing patients, obviously not realising that we were also patients who had been waiting all afternoon and evening. She didn't seem capable of grasping the situation at all.



If there are no doctors capable of reviewing scans when they are done, perhaps it would be better just to send people home immediately and give them an appointment when there are doctors around.



I did not here from urology on Tuesday about an appointment, so I rang on Wednesday and was told that IF a doctor came in the office he would review the scan and ring us or post an appointment. No guarantee on what day this would be as they would be dealing with patients. Again, we are patients as well.



When I phoned back to complain about this situation surprise, surprise it was a recorded message.



The hospital is diabolical.

User

I cannot give this hospital any positive reviews due to failings of the hospital in my dads treatment of something that could have been managed better. Sadly he passed away. This was a condition called Dysphagia. At no stage where my father or the family warned of any complications that may occur with this condition. He also had chronic sinusitis which was never treated properly and he kept coughing up a lot of mucus which with the Dysphagia made his life a misery. This should have been dealt with because if he is coughing and cannot swallow then there are issues. Three complaints made to this hospital with no reply to either of them and this is a hospital out of special measures. My brother wants to give the hospital a chance. I do not, they had their chance in the 5 weeks he was in hospital in January after a 23 hour wait in A/E dept. This matter is going to go further through press, MP and ombudsman. There is even a picture of him having to rest on the floor as there were no beds and he was so weak. Even in 3rd world countries patients have a bed. 74 years old and until the this hospital got hold of him a fit and healthy man

User

Hospital staff are mostly good but I have been I. My ward since being moved from another ward and I am still waiting for water and a glass I was moved into ward approx 5pm yesterday lucky I had my own bottled water but still no glass to drink with and just found bedside charter stating TV and Internet costs Ā£2.90 per day lmao

User

just want to give a huge shout out to all the staff in the a&e department for their excellent care you gave my mum this afternoon.too many of you to mention .

she is back home feeling heaps better .

my thanks also to the security team for their care and kindness too .it meant a great deal to us .

User

You were there for me yet again when I needed an emergency appendectomy this week. As always from the second we arrived at the hospital, the doctors and nurses couldn't do enough for me despite all the pressure they are clearly under. Over the years having had various operations here and safely delivering my 2 children, I cannot speak highly enough of this hospital and its staff and cannot be more thankful that we have somewhere like this that we can all rely on when we really need them.

Keep up the good work and thank you again!!

User

Would just like to thank the staff today for dealing with my sons sprained ankle quickly and efficiently. Did not make me feel like I was over reacting by getting it checked and told me that if it happens again to take him straight there.

I am of the belief that the NHS is overstretched as it is and would only use A&E for emergencies but when it comes to my children I do worry. I was made to feel like there was nothing more important than his health and we were in and out as quickly as possible.

Extra thanks to Steve in EMP for explaining his x-ray to him and showing us where to go

User

Very impressed with the treatment I received. The staff in A&E were all excellent, apart from the arrogant Senior Sister who rudely interrupted the paramedic taking my blood to tell him to go and move a chair (no Iā€™m not making it up).



There is unfortunately always one egomaniac who spoils it for every department.

User

Unfortunately over the past couple of months weā€™ve had to use the hospital a lot. Weā€™ve had the best possible treatment and all of the nurses,doctors and Hcaā€™s work so hard and treated us so respectfully.

A and E is busy and wait times are long but the NHS is something we should be proud of. I hope the staff are all proud of the excellent work they do.

User

The NHS get such bad press more often than not so itā€™s only right and proper they should get praise when itā€™s due.



Yesterday I pierced a finger near the knuckle on a hawthorn thorn. This morning itā€™s very swollen and I canā€™t moved it. I called 111 who advised A&E. I rand PAH as I didnā€™t want to waste anyoneā€™s time and they said come to MIC.



Everyone from the lady I spoke to on the phone to the receptionist to Sarah in the Minor Injuries were brilliant. They were all so helpful, Sarah in particular was very informative and could not have been more pleasant. Thank you PAH. Credit to the NHS

User

Kidney stone ļæ½



I went at A&E with severe pain in my amdomen. I was seen in a very short time and then admitted for CT scan and found with a piece of kindney stone moving down to the bladder.

I found all the staff extremely efficient and dealt with in a professional and caring manner. Thank you ļæ½

User

I attended the hospital today and was admitted into the day stay unit and I cannot fault how I was treated, I was cared for in a professional and caring way by every member of staff which calmed my nerves and made me feel at ease during my wait, operation and recovery, I have no complaints at all and Iā€™m extremely glad I had my procedure done at this hospital!! ļæ½

User

Having just spent 6 hours in the children's accident and emergency I cannot thank the staff of this busy department enough. Each staff member was kind reassuring and professional. My little grandson was looked after extremely well and nothing was overlooked. You are all doing an amazing job ! Thank you so much xxx

User

Gave birth to my son here in June unfortunately suffered a lot of complications after the birth. The staff on the labour ward were AMAZING, they looked after myself and my son so well I couldnā€™t recommend them enough. They do not get enough praise for the great work they do..... Thank you PAH x

User

Everyone is very quick to complain, yet very late at praise.

Yet again, this afternoon a trip to the childrenā€™s ward as my son had split his head open. Amazing staff as always, down to earth and saw my 3 year old straight away.

With three small boys, blood dirt mud and hurting themselves are second nature to me, and each time I have been over the years, I have never had a problem and they have always been wonderful.

In such a demanding job, with the pressures and lack of breaks, I thank you all.

So for whoever was on the desk and nurses station today at 5ish today, you were wonderful x

Xx

User

As usual , Iā€™m in A and E with my mum!!!

The care she receives EVERY TIME she is admitted is SUPERB!! I will never never have it said that these kind bright wonderful people arenā€™t doing the most fantastic job . I hope youā€™re all reading this . We are so very lucky to be near a Hospital like PAH with the caliber of staff , not only in A and E but on the wards too , especially Lister . Youā€™re all amazing and Iā€™m sure with my poor mumā€™s failing health Iā€™ll be seeing you all again . Thank you ļæ½

User

After i was diagnosed with cancer last year Oct 2017 and then in Feb2018 a hernias ...

This turned my life upside down. I already suffer from anxiety and stress that i am still having courses and traning on.

I would like to say a big thank you to the Surgeons... Doctors and Nurses ...for being

patience and doing a fantastic job.

Its October was the first time i have ever been in hospital myself but to see them in their job roles and what they put up with is beyond believe.. great credit to the NHS..

I am now in full recovery thanks to these guys...

User

I will never complain about the NHS as the treatment you receive is second to none.

It could be a lot better if we knew what was going on whilst waiting after seeing someone. We waited a while after my wife was told she was to have a CT scan, and it was only when I asked a male nurse 2 hours later, that we got taken to the scanning area, also she was told that she will be given painkillers and anti biotics, and once again a long wait until i asked the same nurse, that she was given the medication.

I object to the cost of the car park which I understand is going to a private company, finding somewhere to park is also a problem at this hospital.

User

I became I'll last Wednesday and have been in and out of A&E and 3 Amblances right up until today probably around 40 odd hours night and day and have never seen the staff and departments under so much pressure people stacked up every where I would like to thank all the staff who did their best and should not have too work under such conditions.

User

This is a review on the care of my 90 year old Grandad. If you had asked me last year about the delivery of care from this trust I would have grunted and walked away. This mentality has changed. Firstly, the new appearance of the front entrance is different. Hopefully they will invest the same TLC in the dated nightingale wards.



Recently my grandad attended A&E at 2 am after becoming unwell over night. He was quickly triaged and from my understanding either Accepted by the urology team.. he sat in the waiting area (ungraded from metal frame chairs to an arm chair) but none the less a 90 year old man and his 78 year old wife. Sat and waited to see a doctor until 9am. On presenting to hospital my Grandad had haematuria and was struggling to pass urine: he sat in the arm chair for 7 hours before this was looked at ... he was asked for a sample to the best of his ability, bladder scanned and catheterised with irrigation within 20 minutes of the doctor seeing them at 9am. Quick intervention after a 7 hour struggle.



Both grandparents are as independent as they can be but on this evening no vending facilities were available and it was lucky my nan had packed a sturdy snack for them to get by.



Later that day, he was admitted to Penn ward.



Cleanliness 6/10

Generally clean however a number of ā€˜I am clean stickers with date stamps for 7/8 days previousā€™



Privacy and dignity maintained 0/10



I could tell you what every patient in the bay with my grandfather was admitted with and not due to my curious ears but more the discussions by nursing staff quite openly and in some sense degrading manner.



My grandfather saw a doctor early that morning in what I can assume was a post take ward round. At this point the doctor and as Grandad described his ā€˜minionsā€™ crowded the bed and spoke at him rather than to him. Told him he was going home and that was it. My Grandad however exhausted was elated! At the end of the day who wants to be in hospital?!



By 2 that afternoon after asking 2 HCA, one of which had promised to return with a water jug and never returned, my grandfather still connected to his irrigation - had no clue what was going on? Constantly being told that a member of staff would be back. And never to return. (We know itā€™s busy but where is the communication/ Doctors make plans, donā€™t tell nurses or even worse to tell nurses and they donā€™t then relay to the patients. Whatā€™s worse) - someone tell the man whatā€™s going on.. heā€™s not a child, he can handle pretty much anything. Yet nothing...



So two days later and heā€™s still waiting to go home. Connected to irrigation thatā€™s no longer running and hasnā€™t been since the night before. Imagine staring at an empty bottle thatā€™s connected to a rigid catheter in your never regions that everyone seems to have forgotten is there and nailing you to the bed. (Ironic after seeing the PJ paralysis posters)...



So here comes day 1 doctor on day 3... asking why your still here?! The 90 year old man wants to know the answer to that question as well.





So from my understanding, a trial without catheter should be done as early as possible... this ward seem to think 3 in the afternoon is a great time to take out the catheter and then sit and wait for him to pee back to normal.



Isit me or is this a shambles?



Now for the discharge,



The paper work - incomplete, vague, non descriptive and dated - Harlow this needs work?!



My 90 year old Grandad was discharged home at 7pm. (This could have been avoided)



The reason I rate the experience as ā€˜okayā€™ is on asking my grandad he said the ā€˜sisterā€™ wheeled him down to the main reception and gave him a kiss on the cheek before he left and in 3 days this one act of humility changed his awful experience.



Without this small action from one person extending their job role, Iā€™d personally have the hospital completely turned on itā€™s head.



Patients are people, Harlow please re-educate your staff and tighten your practice.

User

The hospital is an absolute joke.



Went for a scan on Monday at 3pm, after being at A+E the previous Friday, being given anti-biotics, and then phoned over weekend to go for an emergency scan.



Had scan at 3:45pm, saw a surgical doctor at 5:15pm, who said, although scan looked ok from a surgical point of view, a urology doctor would need to see it. Not only did he not bother to arrange this, he did not bother telling us that urology doctors finish at 5pm.



After many conversations with staff about what was happening and why we and a number of other patients seemed to have been overlooked, at 10pm another surgical doctor arrived to tell us exactly the same thing, but that he would pass on the scan to urology for them to contact us to get an appointment to come back.



I spoke to a member of the Site Team, called Mary I think, to explain our frustrations at having to wait for hours only to be told we would have to come back. She was absolutely useless and just kept saying that doctors were seeing patients, obviously not realising that we were also patients who had been waiting all afternoon and evening. She didn't seem capable of grasping the situation at all.



If there are no doctors capable of reviewing scans when they are done, perhaps it would be better just to send people home immediately and give them an appointment when there are doctors around.



I did not here from urology on Tuesday about an appointment, so I rang on Wednesday and was told that IF a doctor came in the office he would review the scan and ring us or post an appointment. No guarantee on what day this would be as they would be dealing with patients. Again, we are patients as well.



When I phoned back to complain about this situation surprise, surprise it was a recorded message.



The hospital is diabolical.

User

I cannot give this hospital any positive reviews due to failings of the hospital in my dads treatment of something that could have been managed better. Sadly he passed away. This was a condition called Dysphagia. At no stage where my father or the family warned of any complications that may occur with this condition. He also had chronic sinusitis which was never treated properly and he kept coughing up a lot of mucus which with the Dysphagia made his life a misery. This should have been dealt with because if he is coughing and cannot swallow then there are issues. Three complaints made to this hospital with no reply to either of them and this is a hospital out of special measures. My brother wants to give the hospital a chance. I do not, they had their chance in the 5 weeks he was in hospital in January after a 23 hour wait in A/E dept. This matter is going to go further through press, MP and ombudsman. There is even a picture of him having to rest on the floor as there were no beds and he was so weak. Even in 3rd world countries patients have a bed. 74 years old and until the this hospital got hold of him a fit and healthy man

User

Hospital staff are mostly good but I have been I. My ward since being moved from another ward and I am still waiting for water and a glass I was moved into ward approx 5pm yesterday lucky I had my own bottled water but still no glass to drink with and just found bedside charter stating TV and Internet costs Ā£2.90 per day lmao

More about The Princess Alexandra Hospital

The Princess Alexandra Hospital is located at Hamstel Road, CM20 1QX Harlow, Essex
+44 (0) 1279 444455
http://www.pah.nhs.uk/