"Our relatives care"

An elderly relative with vascular dementia was admitted to ward 16 Ninewells Hospital, after a collapse at home. A few hours later was found to be unresponsive. Family were called as the outcome looked bleak. Family stayed over the next few days on a rota basis.

A lovely Doctor, took the time to explain the situation was precarious and the best situation was for the patient was to remain in a quiet side room, with family around to reassure the patient. The nursing staff on the first day were amazing, caring and attentive.

On day 2 , the family had to remove dirty equipment from the room and ask a nurse to help move patient to a more comfortable position, basic nursing issues that had clearly not been attended to.

On day 3 again we were advised to stay close by in the side room reassuring the patient. After a few hours, during the swap over of family members, we found the patient removed from said, recommended room, lying in the corridor like a piece of equipment, as the ward was literally full of patients with Covid 19 and therefore the vulnerable, possibly at deaths door patient, was moved from advised side room in order to accommodate a Covid 19 patient.

After a discussion with a member of the management team, who really had little insight into the situation and who seemed more worried about the Covid curtains being changed than the patient. Another manager was called to discuss the situation.

This discussion was heated due to the anxiety and upset of family and the said person spoke to relatives in a patronising unhelpful manner, or what I would call a rehearsed parrot fashion. This member of the management team was no more interested in what we as a family had to say and repeatedly said they thought our relative was in the best place for their needs, the corridor of ward 16!

When we expressed that this was unacceptable they seemed to care not a bit. However when we expressed our concerns regarding the care that day, i.e. no input for 2.5 hours, patient not washed or checked on whilst a relative was present, they engaged and were determined to find out who was on duty that day.

As a family we are aware the NHS is under great strain, but we feel protocols in this ward are unworkable, i.e. get them in get them out, with total disregard for patients or families welfare. This whole situation is unacceptable.

Thankfully our relative was moved to ward 8 Royal Victoria Hospital the next day. The care, compassion and encouragement, from the cleaner to the charge nurse was outstanding. Their care was second to none and they deserve to be acknowledged. They as a whole team got this patient to a stage where they were able to return home with the help of red cross wrap around service, for which we are very grateful.

I hope someone looks into this disgusting behaviour and calls those at fault to order.