Healthy living
Body matters
How are they treating you?
Patients in hospital can find out what to expect from the nurses caring from them in hospital
The Nursing and Midwifery Council, the body responsible for regulating the 660,000 registered nurses and midwives in the UK, has just published new guidance For the care of older people to help nurses deliver compassionate care. There's also a leaflet for patients and their relatives, Care and respect every time explaining what standards can be expected and what to do if things go wrong. You can download both publications from the NMC website:
Use this checklist to ensure that you, someone you know or care for is receiving good quality nursing care.
- Do I get help when I ask for it?
- Do nurses care about me – not just for me?
- Are nurses courteous and respectful?
- Do I feel valued as an individual?
- Am I, or someone who knows what I would want, involved when decisions are being made about my care and treatment?
- Do I get help to eat and drink when I need it?
- Do I get pain relief when I need it?
- Are my hygiene and continence needs met?
- Do I feel safe and secure?
- Do nurses notice when I am upset or distressed?
If you answer no to any of these questions, and have concerns about the nursing care that you or someone you know has received, you should tell someone. The best person to talk to is the person in charge of the nursing team. If you feel unable to raise your concerns with them and would prefer to talk to someone independent, get in touch with the Nursing & Midwifery Council on 020 7333 9333.
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
