Patients share their experience over a cuppa

On Friday 7 November, Derriford Hospital's first ‘Tea with Matron’ took place, which had a Remembrance theme in honour of the First World War Centenary.

All patients, carers and staff on Wolf, Stonehouse and Hound ward were invited to attend, allowing them to share their experiences with the matrons across these wards.

The aim was to allow patients and carers to give an example of something that has been really good about their stay and also something that they would like to see improved. It was also a great opportunity for the nurses to be able to take their patient for a cup of tea and a cake, away from the challenging busy ward environment.

Nicola Metcalfe, Matron for Surgery said: “The first ‘tea with matron’ was a resounding success! We had 16 visitors from across the three wards, which were all brought along by the nursing staff caring for them or their relatives. It was so nice sharing an hour with my patients and hearing their experiences.

“I am going to share this feedback with the ward staff and plan to develop the surgical wards further using these patient comments. I am really looking forward to ‘Mince pies with Matron’ on 19th December.”

Tea with MatronEach patient was given a comment card to leave their feedback on and some of the comments included:

“All of the days go well on Stonehouse Ward. The nurses make so much effort by being really kind and helpful”

“From the point of admission, there has been excellent communication between myself and the nursing staff on Wolf Ward”

“Sometimes I get too much gravy on my evening meal”

“I struggle to move my wheelchair around the bay as there are six beds in there”

The next meeting is called ‘Mince Pies with Matron’ and is going to be held on 19th December in the Wolf day room. All patients, carers and staff are welcome from Wolf, Stonehouse and Surgical Assessment Unit wards.