Patients at the Royal Hobart Hospital say they are experiencing disrupted recovery due to broken blinds in wards, forcing some to endure unwanted sunlight during rest periods.
Reports from multiple patients indicate the faulty window coverings prevent them from controlling natural light in their rooms, affecting both their ability to rest and to see outside when awake.
Nursing staff have reportedly resorted to makeshift solutions, including plastic coverings on windows, to provide temporary relief while awaiting repairs.
The family of one patient, who asked to remain anonymous, described the situation as “incredibly frustrating.”
“When you’re already unwell, the last thing you need is blinding sunlight making it impossible to sleep, or feeling like you’re in a box with no view of the outside world,” they said.
In response to concerns, a Department of Health spokesperson acknowledged the hospital has a maintenance backlog.
“There are currently seven maintenance requests relating to blinds within the Royal Hobart Hospital campus and these requests are currently being investigated or awaiting parts for repair,” the spokesperson said.
