We were recently informed by the consultant my dad may have to go to Aberdeen for a brain bleed operation and they would monitor him in High Dependency during the night. An hour later without any discussion or rationale we were told he was going to Ward 5C and that we could not go with him. No-one was able to advise why the destination had changed, which was very worrying and confusing for us all.
We tried to explain that we were worried about Dad and he was confused and wanted to follow him through to the ward to see him settled and answer any questions from the ward staff. We were advised by a nurse/HCSWin A&E that we were to go home and as a rule relatives were not allowed to go with their family members or to the ward. We didn't understand this strange rule or the rationale for it. We were very worried and concerned that we may not even see him again.
Surely there is not a blanket rule for all? Why did this nurse make a decision about Ward 5C not allowing visitors when they work in A&E? We asked to speak to someone about not be allowed to go with Dad, and the Nurse responded no-one was available to discuss this further as everyone was busy and this was the rule! Not a very empathetic or compassionate response!
He went to get a chest x-ray and then onto the ward. When I got to my accommodation I phoned ward 5c as I was terribly worried about Dad and spoke directly to the doctor, who was delighted to hear from me as my dad was very confused and they needed to clarify information including his next of kin detail, past medical history and how he functions day to day. They were concerned his confusion was due to his brain injury getting worse. Dad was really upset too as he had fallen asleep on the way to Ward 5c and was disorientated and distressed when he woke up. Having family present when he woke would have been more reassuring for him.
I don't understand why I was informed there was blanket rule for all patients that family are not allowed to accompany their relative's transfer to a ward. I do not feel this is person centred care and actually added additional stress and upset to my father and his family. This also caused a delay in sharing important information with the medical team on Ward 5c.
Why is this a rule? How does this rule benefit, patients and staff?
"Not Person Centred Care"
About: Raigmore Hospital / Accident & Emergency Raigmore Hospital Accident & Emergency IV2 3UJ Raigmore Hospital / General Medicine Raigmore Hospital General Medicine IV2 3UJ
Posted by Bleather (as ),
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