Bristol Royal Infirmary Reviews

One of the best hospitals I have been in. The staff were really kind and helpful, and looked after me so well. I know the NHS gets a bad rep sometimes, but I think the doctors and nurses who treated me couldn't have done better, when under such resource pressure too. Thank you Dr Jess and the whole team on the majors ward.

Lovely hospital staff are fantastic caring and very helpful one of the best hospitals iv ever been to

My husband needed to have a biopsy.
The care we received on Thursday in Radiology was superb. From the Consultant Radiologist Huw Roach to the Staff Nurse Brenda, her colleagues Natasha, Sheeba and the UWE Student Nurse Eden everyone couldn't have been kinder or more professional. The whole team are a real credit to the NHS.
We can only say thank you.
R & V Astill

hi my daughter was admitted to the bri on friday 4th november. she was treated with dignity. the staff were excellent. they did all they could to make her stay comfortable. excellent care by hard working staff

EXCEPTIONALLY AWFUL!! Little security 'guard' with little man syndrome. Dr's patronizing and so up themselves they are only one step away from be inside out! Staff on the phone pride themselves on there rudeness and mistakes which they will blame on you ! In compensation, nurses in hospital appear to be considerate and of a kind nature.

So dirty here spider webs in windows in the inside no wonder hospitals get super bugs

don't bother trying to call any numbers on your pre operative assessment appointment letter. because out of the four numbers listed, for you to call. no one answers the phone. and if you think that calling the admissions number will help. don't bother, because they don't answer the phone as well. so having given up on those 5 numbers. don't bother calling the switchboard. because all the switchboard will do. is try and connect you, to the same extension numbers. that you tried calling direct. and you still get no answer. i gave up after trying for over an hour, trying to call someone. and then they wonder why. people so say, fail to attend their appointments. perhaps people have tried diligently to call. in order to cancel or re arrange their appointments. and like me. gave up because no one, can be bothered to answer the phone.

Parking could be better, to pick up people, nice hospital, and very helpful

Brilliant place can t praise them enough, if it hadn t been for the staff in a and e and itu I wouldn t be here today after suffering 9 heart attacks in a row a seizure having sepsis pneumonia and an abcess on my spine all at the same time then being in an induced coma for 6 weeks

Honestly, have arrived to hospital at 7p.m. Cus of a pain in my chest. Pretty urgent thing cuz u don t know is it heart or something different. Done the blood test and ecg and.... nothing... was sitting for more than 4 h for the result or someone to speak about my pain and the result. It s an emergency hospital right ? So u expect that someone will be there for u. Pathetic.

I have received very good care from this hospital with the best understanding a&e doctors and nurses plus I received great care on there gp unit on another occasion

Clinically it seems pretty good to me, based on limited use. Disabled access is fine once in the hospital but parking spaces are very few and the hilly nature of this part of Bristol means that getting from where parking is feasible can be hard work.

Rude reception staff.

I was here last week due to my daughter having an operation at the Children's hospital. Whilst she was having her operation the nurses suggested I went over to Costa coffee. So I got a coffee and something to eat and sat in the little waiting area by reception.

There were no signs anywhere stating people couldn't sit here and there were staff sat in there eating lunch as well ad other people. Everyone was sat a good 2meters apart and were following the rules for all social distancing.

Whilst sat here, I could hear the receptionist VERY loudly and aggressively to the security saying that "people shouldn't be sat there eating their lunch, its for people who are waiting to be picked up by a taxi".

She wouldn't have known the circumstances that people were sitting there and her actions made me feel very uncomfortable as well as others as many of us looked at each other, so much so that one lady went to ask if she was allowed to sit there whilst her husband was "in clinic". The receptionist told her "no she should sit on the ward".

I appreciate with Covid things are very strange and people are trying to be careful. However as there were no signs and as staff were even sitting there how was anyone to know they couldn't sit there whilst waiting for their loved ones!? I felt the way she handled this was awful! There was no need for her to shout it she could have quietly said something to security and then security handled it.

Think the receptionist was very unprofessional and could do with some empathy training, especially as she is the first point of contact for many patients!

BRI have been providing follow-up treatment for me after hospitalisation in West Wales for a badly crushed toe. Initial attendence was via A&E and they provided triage within 10 minutes and commenced a wound check, x-rays and replastering after 30 minutes. Frequent follow-up appointments are being provided to ensure any issues are identified quickly. The problem with the NHS is that more and more treatments are being developed and we need to pay a bit more tax!

Looking after a good friend with Covid-19 for 8 weeks - very grateful

The reception staff extremely rude. I was be there up to 6 hours for A&E (Adult) but it s looks like they forgot us.
I think it's an embarrassment so I wouldn't recommend any one to go to this hospital if you require health care.

I love the BRI! Went today, ward A407. Seems very covid secure. Staff as always are superb, so caring and friendly. They are true heroes, managing to look after all the other medical problems we have whilst managing the covid hurricane. We are such a lucky country to have such a wonderful institution such as the NHS.........

Blown away by the level of service at BRI ! Staff are so kind and attentive!

Was admitted in June for a ruptured spleen after coming off my bike. The care from the word go was unbelievable. All the staff were super friendly and supportive, chatty and always with smiles on their faces. Just what you need when your feeling crap and recovering from a life threatening injury. People in this country need to understand that the access we get to heath care is second to none, we moan about waiting times, staff shortages and so on but that isn't the fault of the doctors and nurses, that is the fault of the government so don't take it out on those people helping you and giving you the care you need to get back on your feet. In many a country me and many people would simply die of their injuries so lets all start appreciating what we've got.

They have a Costa and M&S etc. It's like a shopping extravaganza. No smoking outside the entrance of the building, but you usually find some inconsiderate individual smoking. I've never seen security enforce the, no smoking rule. As you More

I felt like i was in heaven. Amazing nurses and doctors. Every single staff cares and they do anytging to help and make you feel even just little better. A very big THANK YOU.

Thrilled with the care I received at A&E for concussion after a recent head injury. I saw so many different staff during my short visit and all were friendly, helpful, caring and professional. The whole visit including a CT scan took only two hours which is a nice bonus. Thank you very much to all the staff

Was admitted to hospital last night after falling over and banged my head I was drunk (I am not proud) I have been told I was not the most cooperative person while the nurses tried to help me for this I am truly sorry you do an amazing job long hours and you should not have to deal with idiots like me you have my greatest respect I wish you all a merry Christmas and happy new year thank you for getting me better god bless

ward a524 is the best @caring for my mother when she was poorly so much love for them for doing what do for not just a living but to help people in need of it peace out #

Cant fault the clinical staff, but the admin need to get thier heads out of Instagram and facebook and actually do some work. The nonchalant attitude as to why letters are not sent and phone calls arent made is pitiful.
Clearly discussing what happened in last nights soaps is more important than actually doing the job they are paid to do.

Just help someone regarding a question. Hopefully I was helpful

Saved the life of my mother. Incredible team and staff

The 2 times I ve been for mental health related incidents, the staff have been rude. However my nanny had great treatment there.

Good experience with respiratory problems like asthma i recently had an asthma attack the staff were nice and friendly

Really friendly helpful staff, let my partner stay after visiting hours because they were adamant that they would get my test results back so I could go home rather than stay over night (as long as everything came back fine) I had 3 separate tests and the results back within 3 hours, which compared to other hospitals waits was amazing.

Admitted to A&E on Monday 29th July, then moved to MAU ward 17, then on to ward 53 at the Heart Institute, for treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. Allowed home Tuesday.
Could not fault the care & service given to me. Even the food was good. But I hate Hospitals.

The doctors nurses all the staff are doing a great job but under a lot of pressure with the amount of people
Presenting for treatment . I was shocked amount people waiting in waiting room and in corridors but no where else they could go .

Wonderful staff at the CCU, I spent 6 days in their care and now home looking forward to the rest of my life. Thank you to all the staff.

Have had 4 procedures. The building is improving in looks and the cardiac centre is amazing.
My most recent experience shows the pressure the NHS is under. The hours I spent in the A and E department were an education that all our political masters should experience. Having been admitted where food was trapped at the oesophagos for the attention of an ENT specialist I spent nearly 12 hours in a cubicle in A and E because there was no ward bed available. The staff work tirelessly for many hours sometimes without a break . They are subjected to verbal abuse from ignorant members of the public and constantly have to apologise for delays because the whole system is creaking. I was eventually discharged having had the piece of chicken pushed down into my stomach. All the staff were wonderful and from lots of different countries including many from the EU . How the hospital could function without them I cannot conceive.
I would like to place on record my thanks for a successful outcome under very trying circumstances and with such good humour.

Having recently had a couple of out-patient visits and one visit for surgery, I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the doctors, nurses and all other members of the BRI team.
I have nothing but praise for these guys, thoroughly human and expertly professional
Thank you, very well done 10/10

Bristol Royal Infirmary is possibly the WORST hospital I've ever been to in my entire life. Lifts that don't work. Broken and blocked sinks. Cold bedrooms and hard beds. Terrible food. Flooded corridors with rain water. And some of the most unhelpful staff imaginable. And people say this is the best place for cancer?

From starte to finish excellent could not of asked for anything more thank you all for everything my name is Karen rowland tranma and orthopaedic you were amazing

During the year 2015 and into 2016, I have been to the Cardiac Unit for Stenting and also to have an ICD implant. The entire staff are friendly, helpful and do go Above and Beyond. Thanks to you all.

The A&E department at BRI are fantastic. I was cared for and supported and cannot praise the staff enough. Thank you!

Went here to A&E when my wife was taken ill. Great service better than a hotel, and so kind and understanding. Staff Nurse Amy was brilliant and also the staff in the observation ward. Couldn't want for better service. Even offered free cups of tea and the tea lady was amazing chatty and friendly. It made a traumatic experience so much easier to deal with.

Been here with my dad, the staff it is very friendly, polite and positive, absolutely amazing people working here, thank you all for your help and kind service!

Went to the Sleep Clinic with my CPAP Machine to be checked.
Very friendly staff, short wait.

My 95 year old mother has been in the BRI for just over a week and has been moved six times. Even I am confused!

Listening to nurses coordinating how to pull a sickie for 2 weeks each at full pay was the low point of my 8.5 hour trip to A&E. Other highlights involved being left in the blood pressure cuff and having a nurse who firstly couldn t find a vein and then forgot to take one of the samples so simply didn t bother.

My husband and I would like to thank the doctors and nurses for the excellent care they gave our daughter Victoria on her recent admission for the urgent appendectomy. Living so far away it was very heartening to know she was in good hands.
Jan Fletcher NZ

I have spent the best part of 2 days here for a a fairly trivial complaint a severe nose bleed. Excellent staff, very clean I cannot fault it

I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for people who work tirelessly here saving lives thanks very much cheers. Ian

I had the privilege and honour of being once a part of and excellent team located in the BHI Ward C808 I have not enough words to describe the happiness and satisfaction that I experienced each single day/shift that I worked in the BRI/BHI the only reason I left was because I could not cope with life in Bristol,

Excellent care. Recently attended 3 appointments at the liverunit for my 88yr old mum. Excellent care each time. Dr Portal told mum he would look after her and he kept his promise. Thank you and all your staff.

Change My opinion The tea is not fully boiled I had 2 occasions where doctors had not been understanding my disability

Was at this hospital and had a porter take me to get an xray...thee other week..firstly he had no mask and came up close talking to me, l was very offended...being ethnic minority. He then started talking about ethnic minorities...that l thought was inappropriate. Is there not a code of conduct at your Hopital...also many nurses in emergency was not wearing mask...Very odd

I went in to the sleep clinic for a overnight test, No one there to greet me, when I was shown to my room I was told the remote for TV was missing so had to try and sort the TV out the bed was broken and the nurse rude telling me when to go a sleep, when I don't sleep the whole point I'm there I found the nurse had no patience and rude then I had to find my own way out. She told me I was fidgeting I told her I have anxiety and can't help it, couldn't sleep the fan in ceiling was so loud, and all the cables you hooked in kept tugging. The door randomly opened I had hair stuck over my socks, I'm glad I took my blanket because the one there was so thin.

I recently had an ablation done as a day patient at the cardiac ward. The care, concern, explanation of procedure and friendliness of staff was second to none. In fact excellent. The only bad part which wasn't their fault was the cancellation of my operation from the week before. That was done to administration error and emergencies on the day. Thank you.

If you need really urgent medical care don t go there. I came in with the worst abdominal pain I ever had in my life, I got other symptoms while I was there, my husband spoke to the receptionist 5 times as it says on their screen to alert the staff if that happens, but it didn t matter. We were still there for 5 hours. Not to mention there was rubbish everywhere, the toilet was discusting. So, if it s not an emergency I guess it s ok, but if you re really not feeling well - go somewhere else. The nurses and the doctors were doing their best as clearly they were understaffed and nobody can t blame them for that. Dear NHS - emergency sutuations should not take 5 hours to be looked into, cannot take 5 hours until you see a doctor, under no circumstances, that s a shame!

I had an appointment at the BRI recently, with a consultant in the dermatology department.....I have to say, everyone I spoke to at this hospital was very helpful, kind & friendly.....from the moment I walked through the main doors, right through to exiting after my appointment..... there were also people offering to point you in the right direction if you got abit lost....although there are clear signs, which made it easy to find my way......I visited the toilets, which were maintained & clean...the hospital, in general smelt & looked clean too...overall, a pleasant hospital visit ...

Friendly and helpful staff, even though they are underfunded and working long hours.

Really impressed with all staff, including the security man on the main entrance who was very welcoming and very helpful. Covid precautions were first class and I felt safe throughout my visit.

Second day waiting since 7.15 in the morning till so fare 15.00 so something minor ti be done.
Not enought staff or probably the wrong type.

Good hospital, nice range of shops for visitors. Friendly staff. They didnt mind us staying past 10pm one night, but the outside doors got locked and struggled to find a way out!!! seemed to have tasty food. Nurses in ICU very caring and loving specially to family members. Went out of their way to give telephone numbers etc of the different wards. Didnt mind most of the time about having more than 2 at a bed. Shame that outside the entrance to the bhi there is always crouds of people smoking. Its disgusting when you are trying to walk into a clean place with smokers blocking the entrance . Doesnt seem right!! Parking is a problem though and most car parks seem to be packed, although i think after 6pm parking is free!

Just popped in for an x-ray, after being referred by my GP. Was a quick and painless experience!

Cheryl, Jess and Dr Imran (as well as others in the Rheumatology dept) are amongst the nicest people i have encountered, great advice, tailored to me rather than just reading off a sheet. Great rapport building and interaction with patients. Cannot give enough praise to their professionalism and quality of care. Thanks guys :)

Such kind and warm staff. I came to accident and emergency a few months back and I was well and truly impressed by the professionalism and absolute dedication of the nurses and doctors.

The food perhaps could be improved, but at least there is a Costa coffee on floor one. There is also an M&S food and a WH Smith.

Going to hospital is rarely pleasant, but the lovely staff and atmosphere make it as good as you could get

Thank you to BRI!

Had to go to A & E to get checked out. All the staff were very helpful and polite and gave excellent treatment and advice.

The BRI has some good staff and can deal with anything (although you may have to wait for long periods). However, overall it can be uncoordinated and disorganised and fail to consider patients as people rather than just as cases to match to standard procedures. Promises were made and not kept, treatments for painful conditions delayed and internal and external communication can be poor. For example, I attempted to contact them (four times) to cancel an appointment (for which I received only one day's notice) but the phone was left to ring out every time. If you have the option, do your research and check with your GP or nhs.uk to see whether there may be options for better care elsewhere,.

Quailty of care can be amazing.

I've read some of the recent reviews about the BRI and can agree with some points, such as phone calls not being answered and reception staff ignoring visitors. I used to work there and I'd be treated the same, which irked me too. Please be understanding that staff will have priorities that you'll not be aware of and they may not be able to immediately help you.

Let me shed some light on the subject from an insiders point of view: I consider the quality of care to be very, very good/excellent. Staff are highly trained, compassionate and provide extraordinary service. Could you work for 12 hours straight and still have a smile on your face at the end of your shift? I couldn't, but that's what the nurses have to do, day in, day out.

I'd agree with some of the negative comments about A&E too, but let's consider WHO makes the mess in the waiting rooms. It's not the staff, that's for sure.

Waiting times can be very long and when they are, you'll be triaged. Why not look that up for a definition? Yes, you may be in pain and having a thoroughly miserable time, but believe me, if you're still walking around and breathing, you are NOT a high priority case. Behind the scenes you'll not have seen real emergencies arriving by helicopter or ambulance, patients who've suffered heart attacks, major trauma, life altering injuries or something that is truly life threatening.

Turning up because of an ingrowing toe nail, is NOT an emergency or any such minor ailment which your Pharmacist, GP or minor injuries unit can sort.

And hang in minute: what about all you drunks that plague A&E all weekend?

We all need to consider our actions and how our own, selfish, reckless behaviour can impact so negatively a service badly needed by those who really need it.

And if you think the service needs improving, why not become a volunteer and help make it so?!

I was in ward 518 for a couple of days. I had outstanding treatment and cant thank all the staff enough. Sheila Dunnell

you have to Waite long time to see a doctor. and there's no good staff working in the A&E. they ignore someone was in really bad situation ...

Wonderful dermatologist Doctor Angus you are amazing and I am so thankful for your extraordinary work with Michelle

Having recently been taken to the BRI with a heavy nosebleed, I cannot fault the attention I was given by all members of staff. A big thank you to the doctor and registrar who treated me. Thank you.

Love what they are doing and grat food look after u well when my inpendices blow up took verry good care but long waiting hours to get seen in a and e like all hospital's so go in the morning ir call a 999 so u go strate in or out of hour doc 111

Lost CT scan results. No blood test results communicated. Appt reminders not sent out until after the appt. Clips left in after surgery. Incorrect date on my major surgery and even after having the correct year pointed out it still hasn't been updated. A and E is good but the admin side of this hospital beggars belief! Avoid the BRI and get to Southmead if you can.

Great staff, sorry to hear they are understaffed but that isn t an individual complaint at all! More of a point to say that these guys kept there heads down and got the work done and all time being attentive for every need you have, expcially ward A700! there s some characters in there! (This was my first over night stay) I ve got nothing but praise to say these guys. oh and harrriat in AE if one is in the right position to pass this message please do great to chat to someone professional who wasn t acting like a big stiff!

I took my daughter to BRI last week with a severe case of Tonsillitus and she was very scared and unwell, the Doctor ( Tomasino ) was wonderful as was the nurse who looked after her, they treated her so well.
We are so lucky to have these lovely professionals in Bristol.
Thank you so much.

An outstanding level of care from this hospital and the wards within the environment. Everyone is always so polite full and helpful within every sector!

Very happy with treatment and generally very nice staff..hospital far too hot to the point of feeling exhausted by the heat..one to one care very good over all no complaints..parking is awful though

I have very recently had an operation at the Spire, only because the time was too long for my particular op. Well , all I can say unless I am unfortunate enough to have get an op quicker than the NHS can offer, I will opt for NHS every time. Basic care wasn't special. And saw surgeon this afternoon, 5 minutes max. Didn't learn anything new other than I looked well, I have mirror in my house, I was expecting something more clinical. Have opted to see consultant at BRI , how is odd is that!

Staff are always rude, the level of care is not consistant and one does not feel listened too esp when they leave you for hours with explanation given.

Great job by the A&E team last night looking after Mrs Brenda Graham, mum-in-law, even down to the hot chocolate drink to cheer her up. Can't thank you all enough for caring for her so well. Pleased to say she's home & feeling a lot better. Thanks again from Chris & I

I admire the countless ammount of hours these nurses and doctors go through. Ive been here some times as a child and have come out fine.

Overall extremely good quality of care in the thrombosis clinic and the heart institute. Could be somewhat stronger on patient aftercare in thrombosis.

Been left in a cast since July and forgotten about. When having my cast put on, I was asked by the unwanted crowd of nurses sat around chatting and not doing any work (I thought you were "extremely busy"?) how I got my injury. When I told them it was from skateboarding, one sarky bell end had the audacity to say "shouldn't you be in the children's ward?"

Fuming, but wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible, I ignore the remark and am told the surgery I need cannot be performed at the BRI, and will have to be referred to a different hospital. Fine.

This was in September. It's now nearly December and I'm still in a cast. I've rang up about once a week since asking for an update, and nothing has happened. Every time, someone tells me they're going to go and talk to a secretary and call me back. Every single time. Nothing. Happens.

The last straw for me today was calling up and not even being able to get through as they've turned their phones off. Absolute shambles. I've been really patient with this, as I understand you may be quite busy and have a lot of people to deal with, but this is pathetic. Will almost certainly STILL have a cast on in 2021.

By far the worst hospital. Waited 6 hours to get checked and they still couldn't find the problem. And they didn't seem apologetic at all.

In these very busy times common courtesy is often forgotten,so I would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff ,from the porter to the consultant .....you do a fantastic job and I have always been extremely grateful.........my dear old dad at 88 years of age was treated with huge respect and kindness after he had several falls at home ,he s on the way to recovery ....I was updated regularly and felt that dad was in safe hands ............well done ,I ve given you 5 stars because there aren t ten .....but I ll give you a ten .....from len

the most fascinating thing about the Bristol BRI is that it has nine or ten levels plus from the top floor you get to see a great view of the city I've known the BRI longer than the one at Hengrove Park so yeah The BRI's the hospital I'm very formilliar with I'll rate the interior as five

Compassionate and caring staff from reception to triage, A&E doctor assessment, porter and radiology staff. Thank you all so much for looking after my husband so well. You are all amazing!!