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"Delays and my mothers last days"

About: Craigavon Area Hospital / 1 North Cardiology Craigavon Area Hospital / Emergency Department Enhanced Care / Acute Care at Home

(as a service user),

My mother was under the care of Acute Care at Home for approx 8 days for fluid management due to Heart Failure.. 

Her health was deteriorating due to her Heart Failure and it was decided that she would require a hospital admission as she was not responding the medication. ACAH had stated that she should be admitted ASAP however they stated that they would source a hospital bed for her. 48 hours passed without my mother being admitted to hospital, and when we asked why she was not being admitted we were told that there was no bed available in the hospital.

My mothers health had deteriorated to the point were an emergency ambulance had to be called by the family as she was in a lot of pain, dehydrated, semi conscious and in urinary retention.

My mother was receiving high doses of diuretics due to her Heart Failure/fluid overload however she was not catheterized and her urinary output did not appear to be monitored.

The ACAH staff who attended to my mother the day of her hospital admission was unable to tell us what her diagnosis was as the Doctor stated that 'they had never met my mother before.

When we asked if she could remain at home and be made comfortable in her last days again we were told that the staff were unsure. Unfortunate my mother passed away 3 days later in hospital and as a family we are heartbroken. 

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Responses

Response from Yvonne Murphy, Manager, Acute Care at Home, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 11 months ago
Yvonne Murphy
Manager, Acute Care at Home,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 22/05/2023 at 15:29
Published on Care Opinion at 16:06


picture of Yvonne Murphy

Hi J.lou88,

Let me firstly offer my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mother.

Thankyou for taking the time to share your experience with the team especially during this difficult time for you.

As the manager of AC@H, I am very keen to speak with you further to help address the issues that you have raised and learning for the team.

Can I ask that you contact me on 07834929067 to discuss?

Many thanks,

Yvonne Murphy

Team Manager AC@H and Older Peoples Ambulatory Services.

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Response from Yvonne Murphy, Manager, Acute Care at Home, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 9 months ago
We have made a change
Yvonne Murphy
Manager, Acute Care at Home,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 18/07/2023 at 12:05
Published on Care Opinion at 12:27


picture of Yvonne Murphy

HI J.Lou88,

Thanks for taking the time to meet with both myself, Dr McCaffrey and Dr Goggin on Thursday 6th July at 2.30pm. It is always nicer to meet in person and discuss the concerns and issues raised. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to provide reasoning for actions and advise you of learning for our team.

All learning has been shared with the team and again we wish you our sincere condolences on your mothers passing.

Yours kindly,

Yvonne Murphy

Team Manager AC@H and Older Peoples Ambulatory Services.

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