"Poor nursing care"

My daughter was admitted for a laparoscopic major gynae surgery pre admission - her surgery had been delayed by more than 2 years.

Her pre-assessment a few weeks before surgery also left a lot to be desired as she suffers from white coat syndrome, with little interest in this other than a threat to cancel her surgery. Luckily as a trained nurse, we were able to reassure staff by recording normal readings prior to admission.

Surgery was completed on the Wednesday, we want to thank some of the staff involved -  the Seal staff at the VHK, Theatre staff, her Consultant, doctors and Anaesthetist.  Post surgery the gynae staff in ward 24 VHK were very good but due to issues around abdominal pain and poor pain control she was unable to be discharged the morning following her surgery.

The attitude of the nursing staff then completely changed. They made it quite clear that they thought she should go home. Given the main issue was pain control they began to refuse her strong analgesia as she was on a discharge pathway! She became upset as when reviewed by her anaesthetist she was told to have her strong analgesia more regularly.

A nurse then embarrassed her in front of her visitors and other patients by refusing this medication and a further review by a doctor was done and unbelievably the same nurse returned after this review with the strong analgesia, which they slammed down on her table and walked away. This nurse then walked away without checking my daughter's details, something I thought was required to prevent drug errors.

I would suggest this requires to be looked into further. The night staff came on duty and the care they have given checking my daughter as her abdomen was bloated and distended giving reassurance. The lack of care by the nurses involved earlier where the previous good care removed from day patients when they do not fit the criteria for next day discharge is shocking.

You should treat your patients as individuals and provide care according to the patients needs. Most patients will fit the criteria to allow discharge but those who don’t should not be punished or dismissed because they don’t.