Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
Feedback Rating
Based on 1638 reviews
Reviews (1638)
Clear explanations needed for carers
Oncology
February 28, 2019
Last year my husband was treated at the oncology department. My husband didn’t want to know much about his condition, but I felt they should have explained clearly how serious his condition was. As a carer if I had known better how serious his condition was, I would have been able to deal with it better. He sadly passed away.
Everything needs improvement
Accident and emergency services
February 11, 2019
I went to A&E with injuries from a fall. I waited there for 8 hours with very little support and help. The initial screening took 3 hours and then waited for results and medication for another 5 hours. The waiting area was filthy with very uncomfortable wooden seating. The toilets were dirty and in unusable state as they were flooded.The was no drinking water available and no one checked if anyone needed food and drink. The security staff were very rude with number of patients. There wasn't room for everyone, and some people had to sit or lie on the floor.
Doctors were good but the time they took was horrific. They came out to call people's names with their file, but when no one answered they just went back again and didn't come out to call anyone else. It was really frustrating that they didn't just call the next person in the queue. They didn't call anyone at all between 1:30am and 2:50am, I wish they had explained why there was such a gap in seeing people. When they did call out names they were really quiet, and it was hard to concentrate on hearing them when tired and waiting such a long time. When I finally saw someone they were good.
Everything needs improvement, after all it’s supposed to be the best hospital in the country.
Doctors were good but the time they took was horrific. They came out to call people's names with their file, but when no one answered they just went back again and didn't come out to call anyone else. It was really frustrating that they didn't just call the next person in the queue. They didn't call anyone at all between 1:30am and 2:50am, I wish they had explained why there was such a gap in seeing people. When they did call out names they were really quiet, and it was hard to concentrate on hearing them when tired and waiting such a long time. When I finally saw someone they were good.
Everything needs improvement, after all it’s supposed to be the best hospital in the country.
Good and helpful consultants
unknown
February 5, 2019
Good and helpful consultants. When waiting for long don’t get any refreshments.
Waiting room was packed
Accident and emergency services
January 31, 2019
No wait time displayed. Daughter went to have an x ray as injured her arm by falling down stairs.
Waited approx. 1 hour in A&E without any pain relief. Once taken in we waited another 50 minutes to actually have an x ray. She was in agony. Waiting room was packed - no seating, even with a broken arm - no seats were offered.
Waited approx. 1 hour in A&E without any pain relief. Once taken in we waited another 50 minutes to actually have an x ray. She was in agony. Waiting room was packed - no seating, even with a broken arm - no seats were offered.
Long waiting times
Accident and emergency services
January 17, 2019
Spent 12 hours in A&E on a Monday night. There were over 100 people waiting to be seen. Took 2 hours to be triaged, as there were only 2 Triage Nurses working, and after being there for over 6 hours I asked how long it would be before I was seen. Receptionist sent me to speak to the co-ordinator who advised that it would be at least another 6 hours as I was 38th on the list because I had been referred by my doctor and I would need to see a medical doctor! I was in pain and the co-ordinator supplied me with pain killers. I was eventually seen by a doctor and medication prescribed. The waiting room was full and the receptionists had to keep asking for family and friends to stand and let patients sit down, there was a man lying on the floor who then started to head bang the vending machines, the security guard did nothing until his colleague arrived and the man left. Another lady was bought in by ambulance, she was in a really bad way screaming and crying and was made to sit in the general waiting room which was very distressing for everyone. Overall, the experience was dreadful. The staff were overstretched and the waiting room seats are not comfortable if you are waiting a long time.
Good care but anxious experience
Pain management
January 16, 2019
I went for an outpatients appointment. The overall care I received was good and I felt the Dr mostly listened, though I did feel he downplayed my symptoms.
It is confusing when you arrive at the hospital, working out where you should go. There are lots of volunteers waiting to help you, but talking to people makes me anxious, so I wish there were clearer signs so I didn't have to speak to strangers when I'm already stressed. The screens should also let you update your own details instead of making you speak to the receptionist.
The initial waiting areas are in a wide open space which feels really public and exposed. I didn't like that my full name was on a screen for everyone to see. It is clearly signposted where you have to go next which is good.
The next waiting area (1b) was quite crowded and felt squashed in. The reception staff were friendly though. The seats in both waiting areas were quite uncomfortable, you could feel the metal bars underneath poking through. It was a bit messy with books, leaflets and magazines left on chairs, which made it more awkward to find a seat. Other patients had put their bags and coats on seats taking up more room. There didn't seem to be any room for people in wheelchairs to wait with carers, which made it awkward as several were attending this clinic. There was a water cooler, but it was covered, so I couldn't tell if it was working and if I could use it.
The nurse came over with a clipboard for me to fill in a questionnaire for the Dr. The nurse was very kind and tried to be discrete. She didn't have any pens though ( I had to find my own) and the clipboard was dirty and worn, which made me worry about germs. It still felt awkward filling in very private details in public. Maybe this could be done in a more private area?
I was called into a nearby room to see the Dr. He was very good, listening to me and asking lots of questions. I would have found it easier if the appointment letter told me what sorts of questions he'd be asking, so I could think about it before the appointment. It should also have said how long I'd be there, as I didn't know and it was much longer than I expected.
He did an examination and got a nurse to chaperone. She was nice, but it was still not a nice experience, and I would have liked more reassurance. It was very painful and no one acknowledged that. The Dr came up with a plan for me, which was quite complicated. He said it would all be written in a letter which I'd get in two weeks, but I would have liked to be given something on the day. He recommended a prescription, but instead of giving it to me on the day he said the GP had to give it to me, and it would take two weeks before they could. This disappointed me, as if I need medication, I want to start it earlier than later.
After the appointment I was left to leave on my own and find my way out. I was in more pain from the examination, and it would have been good to have some kind of aftercare.
It is confusing when you arrive at the hospital, working out where you should go. There are lots of volunteers waiting to help you, but talking to people makes me anxious, so I wish there were clearer signs so I didn't have to speak to strangers when I'm already stressed. The screens should also let you update your own details instead of making you speak to the receptionist.
The initial waiting areas are in a wide open space which feels really public and exposed. I didn't like that my full name was on a screen for everyone to see. It is clearly signposted where you have to go next which is good.
The next waiting area (1b) was quite crowded and felt squashed in. The reception staff were friendly though. The seats in both waiting areas were quite uncomfortable, you could feel the metal bars underneath poking through. It was a bit messy with books, leaflets and magazines left on chairs, which made it more awkward to find a seat. Other patients had put their bags and coats on seats taking up more room. There didn't seem to be any room for people in wheelchairs to wait with carers, which made it awkward as several were attending this clinic. There was a water cooler, but it was covered, so I couldn't tell if it was working and if I could use it.
The nurse came over with a clipboard for me to fill in a questionnaire for the Dr. The nurse was very kind and tried to be discrete. She didn't have any pens though ( I had to find my own) and the clipboard was dirty and worn, which made me worry about germs. It still felt awkward filling in very private details in public. Maybe this could be done in a more private area?
I was called into a nearby room to see the Dr. He was very good, listening to me and asking lots of questions. I would have found it easier if the appointment letter told me what sorts of questions he'd be asking, so I could think about it before the appointment. It should also have said how long I'd be there, as I didn't know and it was much longer than I expected.
He did an examination and got a nurse to chaperone. She was nice, but it was still not a nice experience, and I would have liked more reassurance. It was very painful and no one acknowledged that. The Dr came up with a plan for me, which was quite complicated. He said it would all be written in a letter which I'd get in two weeks, but I would have liked to be given something on the day. He recommended a prescription, but instead of giving it to me on the day he said the GP had to give it to me, and it would take two weeks before they could. This disappointed me, as if I need medication, I want to start it earlier than later.
After the appointment I was left to leave on my own and find my way out. I was in more pain from the examination, and it would have been good to have some kind of aftercare.
Welcoming
Cancer services
January 11, 2019
Breast Cancer Unit is welcoming. My three year check up was on time. Parking is good.
Excellent Service
unknown
January 11, 2019
Excellent doctors, fantastic hospital, helpful support staff. Costa coffee, nearby refreshments, almost everything can be bought. Don’t need any help during wait. The environment is very tidy and clean. Not many park places in the car park area.
QE Hospital Positives vs Negatives
Ear Nose and Throat
January 10, 2019
Pleasant waiting room environment. Clean accessible toilets. Natural daylight. Friendly staff.
More negatives points. Very hard to hear when appointments are called. No focus – something to look at. Not easy to access baby change facilities (as I am a carer for the appointment holder and have to bring my children with me).
More negatives points. Very hard to hear when appointments are called. No focus – something to look at. Not easy to access baby change facilities (as I am a carer for the appointment holder and have to bring my children with me).
I am grateful
Ear Nose and Throat
January 10, 2019
I have been impressed with the care, waiting times etc. The liver dept have worked hard to sort out an appointment for me today after being discharged from hospital recently with little info about my appointment. I am grateful for the support from the reception team.
