"Very little interaction"

Dear Mumm1,

Thank you for posting your story and I am very sorry that you had little interaction whilst your child was waiting to go to for their procedure. Normally in that area, there are lots of arts and crafts activities based on themes throughout the year as well as gaming stations, board games, puzzles etc. I've just been up to that area to have a look and some of the games etc are in cupboards but none of these have locks on them and they are all accessible but maybe we need to put a sign up informing visitors of this.

I am sorry that staff didn't interact with you much on the day and can only assume that it was because they were busy elsewhere in the department because although you were the only one in the waiting area, there are several other areas within that department where other children would be waiting to go for their procedures too so it can be difficult to cover all areas, particularly if there are staff shortages due to annual leave etc. However, I assure you that it is not normal practice to have so little interaction from the play team as they all strive to ensure they provide suitable preparation as well as pre and post-operative play.

We are always grateful for any feedback received and I'm sure we could benefit from hearing about other things that your child feels should be in that area. If you have the time, you are welcome to contact me via the NHS Lothian Children's web page with some ideas/thoughts from your child on what should be there and I can hopefully implement some of these.

Kind regards

Margaret McEwan

Play Services Co-Ordinator

Hi Mumm1

Just to follow up on Margaret's response - I am pleased to advise that the team have put signs on the cupboards. This means that going forward any visitors to the department will know there are more games available.

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us via Care Opinion and highlighting this area for improvement.

Take care

Louise