"Transfer from hospital after discharge"

On 2 separate occasions my elderly Mother was discharged from ward 4A in the Ulster Hospital. She was transferred by Ambulance on the first occasion to the Down Hospital for rehabilitation and arrived late at night, which was very confusing and upsetting for her considering she has dementia and had major surgery. We as a family were so upset and felt very sorry for her.

The second occasion I was told in the morning that Mum was being discharged and transferring by ambulance to Tullywest Manor Residential Home. She had had further surgery. I told the nurse about the timing of the previous discharge and that I didn't want a repeat of the last time Mum was moved, especially when she was in such a fragile state. I phoned the ward to ask when Mum was being moved and was told they had just received her medication from the pharmacy and they could only arrange the Ambulance once that was received. I asked why it had taken so long from discharge in the morning to receipt of medication at teatime and was told they had to wait on the pharmacy. Unfortunately once again Mum only arrived late at night at the Residential Home.

What kind of system is in place that this can happen? Once was bad enough but there seems to be a pattern emerging. Are elderly folk discriminated against and put to the back of the queue for medication from the pharmacy and for transfer if an Ambulance is required? I don't blame the Ambulance Service as they are only contacted once medication is received and they were wonderful with Mum on both occasions. I think  the process is obviously flawed when it takes 6-7 hours for Pharmacy to deliver medication to allow discharge.