Local News · Salisbury
Salisbury Hospital apologises after patient's drip held by skeleton
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Salisbury District Hospital has issued an apology after a patient was treated in an A&E corridor with an intravenous drip supported by a medical training skeleton.
Salisbury District Hospital has launched an internal review after a patient spent 19 hours in an A&E corridor, during which time a medical training skeleton was used to support an intravenous drip. Cleo Rawlings, 28, attended the emergency department presenting with severe head pain and a stiff neck. Due to the hospital operating at full capacity, she was moved into the corridor for treatment following initial assessments.
Her mother, Alexandra Leat, who accompanied her daughter throughout the ordeal, described the environment as challenging for both patients and staff. She noted that while doctors and nurses were working under extreme pressure, the lack of space forced staff to improvise with equipment. While other patients relied on picture frames to hang their drips, a teaching skeleton was utilised for Ms Rawlings. Despite the unusual circumstances, Ms Leat praised the medical team for their professional and polite conduct throughout the wait, even as the hospital faced significant demand.
A spokesperson for the hospital trust confirmed that the incident occurred and has since been addressed with the staff members involved. The hospital stated that the use of a teaching aid in place of clinical equipment fell below expected standards and did not comply with safety policies. The trust has apologised for the lapse, describing it as unacceptable and insensitive.
In a statement regarding the wider operational environment, the spokesperson explained that the emergency department continues to navigate exceptionally high demand. They emphasised that staff are working under sustained pressure to deliver safe and effective care, but acknowledged that such environmental stressors do not remove the requirement to maintain high professional standards. The trust has committed to learning from the incident and ensuring that relevant policies are reinforced among clinical teams.
Ms Rawlings was eventually discharged with medication for a suspected viral infection. The case highlights the ongoing strain on emergency services in Wiltshire as the hospital continues to manage capacity challenges and high patient volumes.
Source: Salisbury Journal — Salisbury · View original