Gwent patients hit by shortage of clean linen (From South Wales Argus)

Gwent patients hit by shortage of clean linen

7:20pm Friday 22nd February 2013 in News

 PATIENTS and their relatives are being urged by Gwent’s health watchdog to highlight problems they have due to a lack of blankets, pillow cases and other linen in hospitals.

Aneurin Bevan Community Health Council (CHC) has reported problems with linen supplies at the Royal Gwent and Nevill Hall Hospitals and it now wants to hear from those affected.

A CHC report to Aneurin Bevan Health Board last May said linen shortages were causing “serious patient dignity issues” and a nurse at the Royal Gwent told the Argus she felt embarrassed at being unable to change bedding due to a lack of clean sheets.

Since then, the CHC has reported improvements in the supply chain to wards but a problem still exists.

“Although there has been some improvement, gowns, blankets, pillow cases, pyjamas, towels and bed linen still seem to be in short supply on some wards, particularly at weekends and on Monday mornings,” it states.

The health board says the supply has improved, with its laundry working six days a week. An electronic tagging system is being considered for linen, to try to reduce losses.

Incidents reported early last year included a towel being rolled up in a pillow case because of a lack of pillows, and patients being told no blankets were available.

The CHC is keen to hear of patients’ experiences in recent months, It can be contacted on 01633 838516.