"My mums lack of care"

My mum was admitted to RVH for a day procedure for stints in her leg in April 2025.  This is an old lady who lives independently, does not require help from family or Social Services. She can fully meet ALL her ADL’s, she is a carer for two of her great grandchildren a few days a week. 

The procedure was cancelled twice which resulted in a longer stay in hospital, this was not of major concern to the family. 

My mum is on neuropathic medication due to nerve pain. My sisters became concerned several days into her stay due to her behaviour. I walked her into hospital on the Tuesday and was flying abroad the next morning.  My family contacted me and we could not understand the psychological and cognitive behaviour. My sister spoke to the staff nurse enquiring if she had been given her medication. It became clear that my mum had not received her neuropathic drug for a few days. 

Being aware that it is extremely dangerous to withdraw promptly from neuropathic medication I became very concerned. 

I rang the hospital and spoke to a senior staff member on the ward. I stated that I was aware my mum had not received this medication and her response was to ask how I would know that.  I enquired if an IR1 form was completed and her response was to ask me if I am a nurse. 

My mum took severe withdrawal from these drugs and ended up with psychotic episodes and  delirium with not receiving her medication and the following treatment. 

Night staff arrived a with a wrap around pad for her to wear. My mum explained that she did not use these products and that she walks to the bathroom.   She was informed that whilst in hospital she had to wear them. She was then put into bed, her legs elevated and the side rails put up. This is how my daughter found her the next afternoon. 

This feels barbaric behaviour for any staff member to do on a patient. 

My mother left the RVH a total different person who is broken and frightened over the treatment she received. 

We as a family are still trying to deal with the aftermath of her hospital stay. She cries daily trying to understand why someone would do that to her. 

Staff need to be held accountable for their mistakes and actions. 

I would like this serious matter dealt with.