"Confidence that mum will get the best care possible"

My dad called me in the early hours of a Monday morning as mum (nearly 84) who he cares for had fallen going to toilet, and was in a lot of distress worsened by her Alzheimer’s. I set off on the 90 minute journey as he called 999 and told him to call me when the ambulance arrived.  

The ambulance crew were fantastic with my mum who was quite challenging due to distress and the Alzheimer’s and with my dad and his sister who lives next door. They went above and beyond think one was called Krishnan and I didn’t catch the other but hopefully you will be able to find out with my mums details. They spoke to me as was driving up and kept me updated whilst reassuring me that mum was ok. They reassured my aunt who was wanting to go with her (approx 3am in the morning) that they would be with mum and she wouldn’t be on her own and that I was at Perth so would not be long. I arrived at Ninewells A+E  dept just as they were checking her in. I can’t thank them enough for mums care.

The A+E department were also superb, treated mum with so much care and compassion even though she was a bit challenging given her condition. They were attentive despite how busy they were and nothing was a problem. Made mum comfortable, did all necessary tests and sorted pain relief etc one nurse even sat with mum while I went outside to get phone signal to update family.  Michael, Jen, Dr Joe? And Dr Smith and apologies don’t remember nurse who sat with mum but again hopefully you can find out from mums details. Mum had indeed broken her left hip.

We were in ward 17 before 8am which given current strain on NHS was fantastic. Staff there were also amazing and apologies I am struggling for names as by this time was exhausted and suffering from ‘information overload’. I remember Dr Dan who called to let us know what plan was, frailty Dr and all other nursing staff and Drs we engaged with on ward 17 were so lovely and caring.

Mum was transferred to ward 19 and had surgery.  Despite ward being extremely busy again all staff were very attentive and caring and took time to explain everything. Again am struggling with names but hopefully they will know who they are.

Mum is now in RVH rehab facility as of yesterday and although a likely difficult road to recovery staff there could not have been nicer in particular nurses Pam and Holly who we met last night which has given me confidence that mum will get the best care possible.

Big thank you NHS Tayside for all of the care and compassion which means a lot when living a bit of a distance from my elderly loved ones.