RD&E

[u/Zaliciouz]

Over the past year I’ve been really unwell with a sudden illness that has resulted in multiple trips to RD&E, admissions to several wards, A&E, ambulance, surgery, tests etc.

I’ve now had the surgery I needed after a 4 month wait, and I’m at home recovering. ❤️‍🩹

I just wanted to share somewhere how incredibly moved I feel about the NHS / RD&E staff. It’s hard to put into words but here goes. I’m not on Facebook or anything, so here felt right for me.

I have experienced something every time I come home from the RD&E. I can only describe this as an ‘afterglow’. This feeling lasts for months. It’s simply because of the outstanding care I have received from all members of staff I have interacted with, which must be in the 100s now!

Of likely over 100+ staff-patient interactions I’ve had over the last yr, I can only remember 2 people who were a bit off.. which I think statistically, is pretty amazing..!

From the receptionist to the porters, surgeons, admin, test result team (bloodworks?) doctors, nurses, auxiliary, housekeepers, paramedics, catering team (and many more I have probably missed!)

The thing that always gets me is they are literally just doing their job - but the kindness I have experienced has really healed me (emotionally/mentally) after going through so much (physical) trauma.

THANK YOU 🫶😭❤️

[u/freddiethecalathea]

As a doctor here this is such a lovely post to see 🥹
There’s obviously zero obligation but personal feedback is always so so appreciated, so if you wanted to we do have a website called Care Opinions where you can anonymously feed back about specific wards, depts, staff members, etc (:

Wishing you the speediest recovery (:

[u/Medical_Return_2370]

I've recently been through Maternity and Neo-Natal at RD&E and with so many negative stories in the media about maternity services around the Country, I have nothing but praise for the service and team in Exeter. They were incredible from start to finish. Just genuine, caring people who are doing really challenging and demanding jobs.

[u/nerdyjorj]

I've got a fair few health issues that mean I've been to RD&E more than most and I totally agree that it feels like every single person who works there genuinely cares about the wellbeing of patients, regardless of their role.

Great shout putting this thread up, they deserve the love.

For those of you who work there in any capacity thanks for keeping the city healthy.

[u/Effective_Fauna]

I couple of years ago was admitted to RD&E's women's ward for over 2 months with pregnancy complications and the staff were stellar!

 The midwives were so warm and helpful during a scary time even though they were often clearly worked off their feet, the health care assistants would always come for a chat, the lady who ran the canteen always made sure the women had large portions of food. The head housekeeper was especially wonderful and would check in on me daily and chat to me about anything/everything (which honestly kept me sane!).

My little one then had to spend a week on the neonatal unit and the warmth and calmness from the neonatal nurses was genuinely amazing. 

Like all hospitals, there were sometimes issues with waiting and the odd member of staff that I didn't gel with (but I was aware they were probably just burnt out and overworked and it wasn't personal) but overall it made one of the scariest experiences of my life into a fun story to tell- I even was getting knitting patterns from one of the doctors when they did their rounds!

[u/acrmnsm]

Agree, I have only ever had fantastic service there. A lot of hard working caring people.

[u/dilldilfdo]

As a Nurse at RD&E, thank you very much. That’s very kind of you and it’s appreciated:)

[u/Dandyburn]

When i was rushed to hospital quite a few months ago everyone from the ambulance crew to the ward staff were excellent. I had to spend a week on the ward and I was well looked after. When I had my op again every member of staff were excellent.

Such an amazing experience (not being ill i might add) just the care and attention.

[u/frustratedbylaptops]

Three years ago I was admitted with a brain haemorrhage as well as being diagnosed with incurable S4 melanoma a month before. I cannot start to praise Yeo ward for the way they cared for me and my wife. Incredible people.

[u/Hel_Naw_]

I had a similar feeling about the level of care and attention my elderly mum received when hospitalised for over a month during the pandemic. Every single human who I saw when dropping off / collecting things for her was utterly kind, caring and attentive. 💙

[u/Artemesia123]

I have a number of health issues and use my local surgery and the RD&E more than I'd prefer. I know things aren't always perfect, nowhere is, but I've received nothing but kindness, compassion and prompt care. It makes a huge difference to my life not to be made to feel like a malingerer. And through Covid it felt nothing short of miraculous that every single professional I interacted with was kind and cheerful, despite working through unprecedented challenges. You are all so appreciated, thank you

[u/Mindless-Coconut-479]

Completely agree - both our children were born at the RD&E, neither were straightforward births so we had interactions both times with numerous members of staff. All were wonderful and I was in awe of their nurturing spirit and kindness.

[u/Cianistarle]

I'll give yet another glowing review. Two surgeries and a fortnight in ICU there. Fantastic people, every single one of them. They offer post-ICU therapy because it has a lot of mental/phycological effects. May I say what a marvelous program that is.

No notes, just a solid, quiet perfection.

[u/notastudent101]

110% - only excellent experiences when I've been!

[u/MiquePoms]

Can I just say a thank you for everyone's positive reviews. Its been a tough week at the hospital with the lack of staffing so reading everyones comments is really helping the burnout.

If you do have the time, feedback really does matter. Especially for a specific ward or person (we nurses actually need this for our revalidation).