"Fundamental Failings Ward 54 QEUH"

My Grandfather became unwell with a UTI and was admitted to a receiving ward in the QEUH recently . He spent a few days in a bay and then in a single room whilst receiving IV fluids and antibiotics. There was noticeable improvement during this time as his delirium improved, he was experiencing much less involuntary muscle spasms and generally appeared brighter and more alert.

 He has dementia and he is much more settled when a family member sits with him. My Grandmother and I were with him in the ACU for a few hours. When we arrived at his room the following morning we were informed that he had been moved to ward 54. I appreciate he could not stay in the receiving ward but we were not notified that he was going to be moved. When we arrived at ward 54 he was alone on a trolly in a corridor.

He was eventually settled in a room on the ward. He continued to receive IV fluids and antibiotics but later that morning he pulled his cannula out. My grandmother repeatedly asked staff to have it put back in but there was no one trained to do this. It was not until 6.30 am the following morning that one was put in. The location of this had also changed to his upper arm, requiring him to keep his elbow straight otherwise the tube kinks and the flow stops. Due to his dementia and delirium he could not understand that he needed to keep his arm straight and my mother had to hold his arm in position for several hours before it was changed back to the original location.

During this time he had passed almost no urine for over 24 hours. It was discovered that there was a kink in the catheter tube causing a blockage. When this was rectified he passed 400ml in a matter of minutes.

Due to the lack of basic fundamental care for an elderly man admitted for a UTI, his condition has worsened. His delirium is as bad as it was on admission. His body his undergoing more involuntary movements, he is much more agitated and distressed and generally frailer and weaker.

I am incredibly let down by the lack of checks. The staff are clearly over stretched and do not have anywhere near enough time to dedicate to the number of patients in their care.