DD

During the past three years, my wife has needed the support of the RDH – within the emergeency department and as a ward patient – on several occasions. When she is in the hospital, I spend the full visitor period allowed, with her. This has provided me with ample opportunity to observe process and procedure. 

My coming and going both over time and recently, have  broadened my awareness of the RDH modus operandi.

The staff, from doctors and nurses down to support and ancillary carers, do a very good job. The stretch placed on them at times is exhausting but is taken in their stride.  

The most significant issue at RDH, across the ED and many wards, is the untoward behaviour of some patients, often heightened by some of their visitors.  Conformity to a code of conduct that considers others is excused. Noise levels are bedlam and bed rest for many patients, an impossibility.

Royal Darwin Hospital administrators must address this issue if the atmosphere within the facility is to embrace the comfort and needs of all patients.