"My Dads recent hospital stay"

My family had a very recent scary experience with my Dad.  He still has not recovered fully but 🤞he keeps improving. He was admitted to The Victoria, Kirkcaldy admissions ward at the start of November having had a huge change in his behaviour. I first visited him the following day and found it very difficult to speak to whoever was caring for him, nobody wants to give you eye contact when you walk up the ward and I certainly was not challenged when walking up the ward looking for my Dad!

Dad was very confused and agitated, not taking his tablets either, strange nobody waited to check he was taking them as they are important! He was moved to ward 41 and had various tests to find the cause, again it could be difficult to get anyone to speak to about his care etc. I did speak to a couple of doctors and staff nurses who were very helpful and I asked them to contact me after Mum to let us know of any changes.

I live in Dumfries which is at least 2 and a half hours away and Mum does not drive. I had to go home whilst Dad was still in hospital and specifically asked to be notified when he was to be discharged, so I could get up the road to take him home. Mum got a call towards the end of November saying Dad is being discharged.  She was quite upset as she had had no update on his condition, medication or follow up care. I called the ward and had quite a fraught conversation with someone, no idea what member of staff as they only gave their first name. I explained to her where I was and how long I’d take to get there;  she spoke about the constraints of the  NHS! I hope they don't ever have to experience this situation with a member of her family. I worked in the NHS for many years and only recently retired so I am well aware of how it runs, but also well aware it doesn’t take much for a smile or to ask if you can help someone. 

Then having driven up to take my Dad home the prescription wasn’t ready!!  Spoke to GP surgery on the Friday after discharge and they were not aware of discharge or medication. Still waiting to hear from CPN though that may take ages, I suppose I will have to follow this up myself.

So sorry to say my impression of the Victoria isn’t the best.  Some staff were lovely and helpful, but it seems the majority of staff are agency and sadly they don’t appear to have any loyalty to where they are working and as a result care can be below par.

Lastly I have to mention the horrific parking at this hospital, the drop off area is ridiculous and there are no parking spaces in the car parks during the week. I feel very sorry for elderly patients trying to access this place.