Went in on Christmas eve to A and E. I can honestly say, from the A&E/ Majors and then onto the MDU I have never felt so confident that I was in such good hands. The doctors, nurses, care workers , porters were fantastic.
Assessment unit was spot on and really helpful but as soon as I got moved wards I was neglected and they didn't give me any food for 2 days and took they 3 hours to give me some painkillers after id asked them and the nurse went and sat back at her desk and continued to neglect me. Staff wasn't helpful in the ward and don't have a clue what they are doing, all miscommunicated.
WARD C11 OF ROYAL BLACKBURN TEACHING HOSPITAL. CRITICAL CARE WARNING: HYDRATION & ENVIRONMENT During recent visits to Ward C11 in November 2025, we observed systematic failures in basic care that families must be aware of: ⚠️ THE HEAT: The ward temperature was maintained at an extreme level (staff visibly sweating/dripping). Be aware that this accelerates dehydration in bedbound patients who cannot ask for water. ⚠️ ORAL HYGIENE FAILURES: We witnessed oral care for thick/infected secretions being performed with "juice" rather than sterile water or antiseptic. This promotes bacterial growth, and aspiration pneumonia is a severe risk for vulnerable patients. Please monitor your relative's oral hygiene personally. Look out for thick, coloured mucus. ⚠️ MISSED DIAGNOSIS (PAROTITIS): We observed acute parotitis (swollen salivary gland), a clinically recognized sign of severe dehydration and poor hygiene. Staff dismissed this swelling as merely "positional." Families should be vigilant for facial swelling and demand proper assessment. ⚠️ THE RESULT: Basic biological needs (fluids/temperature control) appeared to be deprioritised. Do not assume "care" is happening just because a patient is in a bed. You must verify hydration levels yourself.
I would preface my remarks by saying that some Departments at the Royal Blackburn are better than others. The A&E Department is a total disgrace. This is not intended as a criticism of the dedicated and overworked professionals staffing this department, but corridors of patients on trolleys, many in obvious pain and having had to wait hours to be seen, should speak for itself. The lack of privacy is so undignified no, wonder why often the elderly do not want to be taken there. Add to that, people having to be removed by security, it is like a war zone. Trying to get information on the progress of loved ones can prove difficult. Direct contact can prove difficult as mobile phones generally don't work in A andE (though do work once on wards). The whole system appears to be based on pouring as much responsibility as possible on Junior Doctors and the nursing staff. On one occasion, when my mother was experiencing complications, I found that my mother's named Consultant was out of the country! Everybody is far too busy and things get overlooked that should not be overlooked. As with any hospital the quality of staff can vary. I have personally experienced grecatkindness and great rudeness with a senior nurse telling me a query over medication was 'beyond her pay grade".To be fair it was complicated. Communication both internally and externally is poor. The quality of medical explanations and advice can vary. Clinicians and nursing staff often appear blind to a patient's previous clinical history. This reflects shortcomings in ithe hospital's information systems and the staff not having time to get on top of matters. Organization at the hospital, which is the responsibility of the Trust, must improve. This should not be allowed to continue. as at present. The responses that the hospital is covering too big an area just simply doesn't cut it with those of us who have to use the Hospital on a Regular basis.
Attended A&E/Urgent Care Department with my wife regarding suspected TIA, Stroke on Thursday 9th October. Yes it was busy and waiting times are lengthy. We spent a total of 7 hours in this department. All the Nurses we dealt with were friendly, reassuring and very professional. The Duty Doctor was outstanding. My wife received a thorough examination including many blood tests, CT Scan, ECG, Blood Pressure Checks as well as FAST tests. The Duty Doctor is one of the best, always friendly, never patronising and taking account of all our concerns. What a shining example of our NHS st it's best. We are returning today for an MRI.
Blackburn royal hospital is always very busy. The staff are very hard working & always running about helping people. Accident & emergency always a very long wait but the staff do there best & you are always seen to & treated no matter how long it takes. The ambulance service is very good too. Hospital cafes & canteens have a variety of hot & cold foods & drinks & there are also vending machines for snacks & drinks
My mum had a bad stroke and was on ward B2. She was in for 9 days and the care, support and treatment she received from the nurses was exemplary. She was assigned a bed in very quick time from admission. I couldn't praise you all enough, but thankyou very much, you are a credit to your profession
Bring enough food for 2 days. Insanely over capacity. No idea how they aren't declaring a critical incident. Lovely nurses but can only triage you whilst waiting 12 hrs for a doctor, regardless of your situation. Really feel sorry for the staff.
My mum is on Ward C5 at the moment and I have phoned daily as I live 400 miles away in Scotland. Whenever I phone the staff are so friendly, and 'nothing is too much trouble', I have even been able to have a conversation with her, which was lovely. I realise they are very busy and I tend to phone about 8.30am -9am but they are always polite and lovely. I feel very reassured that she is getting the best care possible and with her being 92 years old it's certainly a comfort when I'm so far away from her. Thank you the staff of Ward C5 you are doing a fantastic job and I can't thank you enough!! Janice
The most dysfunctional department known. Urgent care and A&E as one department?? No priority in care. No beds available. Daughter spent 12 hours at Burnley Urgent care to wait for a bed and referral to royal Blackburn. Got here next day told no beds available despite suspected internal bleeding with IBD. There is no care in place only a ridiculous iPad booking in system then see the receptionists?! Total failure of the NHS here.
Royal Blackburn Hospital is located at Haslingden Rd, Blackburn BB2 3HH, UK
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