"Inadequate care, non-existent communication post-op"

Elderly family member admitted after a fall and surgery for a broken hip to Sandwell Hospital, Newton 3. Initially did very well within 3 days of having surgery. But Physio sat her out of bed into the chair on day 3 post op- great, but then she was left sitting in the chair for over 4 hours, when we visited she was in a lot of discomfort & very distressed, nurse call had been used but not answered for at least 20 minutes, then when nurse was answered, trained staff said no one was available to help as needed 2 staff & a frame to help.

I helped the nurse to assist family member back into bed, I didn't mind. Family member should be sitting out to the commode, as should be moving as much as possible, however, because of staffing, they are using a bedpan in the bed or pad and pants because it's easier for the staff, this is a lady who was independent before the trip & fall. No aids were used and not on any medications.

Staff observed to just be sitting along the ward corridor on the computers. Observed trained nurse working in the ward bays changing trauma & orthopaedic patients without help, despite said trained nurse asking for help from other ward staff. Dirty dishes on trays left on patients tables, no drinks offered to patients in between meals. Meal orders inaccurate despite staff asking patients their choices. Staff on their mobile phones. Staff wearing jewellery & hair long, below the shoulders. Staff not aware of patients location on the ward after being moved from the side room. Cannula was not removed despite leaking, it was not flushed and remained inserted despite showing obvious signs of non-patency. 

The one positive aspect - despite 13-hour time frame from fall > ambulance> A & E> to finally getting a bed on a ward - was surgery being done within 24 hours of the fall & diagnosis of the broken hip.

Post-op nursing care from our experience was definitely inadequate. Post-op communication from Surgeons/Doctors non-existent.