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"Looking after my dad"

About: University Hospital Wishaw / Emergency Department

(as a relative),

My dad had a fall at home we contacted 999, but because they were so busy we made our own way to hospital.  He has advanced dementia and on checking in he was distressed. I asked the receptionist if there was somewhere quieter where we could sit and I was told no alternative to wait in the waiting room.

After sitting for what felt like forever, a nurse came over as she had seen my dad was struggling and brought us both into a room. People in the waiting room started shouting that they were before my dad and being abusive. I was alarmed as my dad is in his eighties, has dementia and doesn’t cope with unfamiliar places.

The nurse Laura and her co worker Dave then assessed my dad and they were concerned because he was on blood thinners, had hit his head and had a large wound. The wound was cleaned and a cap was put on to help with the blood loss. There was no free rooms for us to go to. We were sat outside her room and checked on frequently between others.

After a short period we moved to cubicle where my dad was seen by Dr Baker and nurse Nadine who were so kind and caring. They took time to settle us and listen to me. Andrew the Porter took us to the X-ray for a scan and brought us back. After the scan and wound was closed, my dad was tired and became agitated. He had a sandwich and he was thankfully allowed home with me.

I want to thank you all for looking after my dad and myself 

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Responses

Response from Karen Jamieson, Patient Safety Co-Ordinator, Quality Improvement Team, NHS Lanarkshire 2 years ago
Karen Jamieson
Patient Safety Co-Ordinator, Quality Improvement Team,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 23/12/2022 at 12:32
Published on Care Opinion at 12:32


Dear Dementiacarer

Thank you sharing your story on Care Opinion.

I am sorry to hear your dad had a fall and had to attend a very busy A&E at University Hospital Wishaw. The demand on services as you witnessed is high, and I am sorry other people waiting were abusive to you and your dad when you were seen before them, this behaviour is not helpful. I am pleased your dad was fit enough to return home with you after being seen by our kind and caring staff and you were checked on frequently.

It will be a pleasure to share your feedback with the team you mention.

I hope your dad is recovering well from his fall.

Kind regards, Karen

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