"Good communication goes a long way"

Communication from medical staff is below poor. Family member left with communication difficulty and never in five weeks has a doctor sat with next of kin to discuss discharge planning. 

We have never had results of investigations discussed with us either and our relative wants this to be transparent. However, she is unable to discuss results, changes to medication or outcomes with us herself. It is important that we understand why she has had a stroke if possible so we can support our relative and encourage positive behaviour change. 

I sat for 3 hours and 40 mins asking at regular intervals to speak to a doctor re my relative- no doctor appeared, nor was I advised if there would be a better time or day to have a discussion. Later I phoned the ward spoke with a doctor who discussed some radiology results- to then be told by an FY the following day that my relative hadn’t even had the investigation I had been given the results for. This should be an incident report re a data breach if I have been given someone else’s results. It has been difficult to speak with a medic on the ward since- still unclear if my relative has had this investigation or not.

Nursing and therapy staff are great. However, as a health care professional I expected a lot more from the medical team. Good communication goes a long way in relieving anxiety of the patient and their immediate family. Hopefully this feedback encourages positive change.