"Lack of empathy, clarity and confusion"

22:00 Friday in august call 999 for abdominal pain for my partner told there’s a 9 hour wait as she collapses.

30 mins later we arrive at a&e swift seen to and under observation. Another 30 mins later, blood and urine samples done. Morphine given and and iv with antibiotics. Followed by confusion over morphine levels.

Nil by mouth

Told it could be appendicitis issues, could potentially operate straight away or have a CT scan or ultrasound

The doctor that we dealt with was great. I didn’t catch his name.

Saturday 0600 ish

Went down to Abbey ward. Remains nill by mouth

Iv replaced.

1600 asked for pain relief

1700 I had to go and find someone to make sure pain relief was sorted

Refused request for a cup of tea as nil by mouth still

2100 despite being told a decision will be made on the surgery. By this time. No decision was made and remains nil by mouth.

This night no sleep was achieved because of a dementia patient screaming all night.

Sunday 10:00 taken for ct scan

1200: iv ran out 5 hours ago struggling with dizziness and dehydration was allowed water at this point.

15:00 taken for another ct scan by mistake

1600 I found a nurse and made them change the iv bag. The nurse explained they were busy . Hard to accept when during this whole fiasco I’ve witness the staff sat on their phone on the desk for long periods of time. (I didn’t mention this to anyone)

1700 Still no indication as to what’s going on when I ask for a timeline for moving forward I was

Met with hostility.

2100: Had to request the bedding to be changed as it hadn't been done since arriving. iv had also run out unsure on the time period.

We decided at this point to end the nil by mouth as there was no clear plan and nothing but confusion from the staff

Monday 0800

Told she was going down for surgery

0930 I arrive to the ward but she’s already gone down when I asked where to wait I was told she’ll probably call you when she’s out maybe 11ish

I have proceeded to wait outside theatre in the hope I see her at some point. Witness 40% of hospital staff walking past me on their phone, something rarely accepted in other professions.

The lack of empathy, clarity and the sheer confusion from the ward staff has been disastrous.

I do not expect to have to make sure fluids and pain killers are given especially when a patient is nil by mount. I honestly believe had her close ones not been visiting and check then this would have been much worse.

I have always been a fan of the nhs but I feel disgusted how the last 3 days have played out. The ward staff might see this as every day life but to the patients and family members this is a very stressful ordeal.

I feel it is such a shame that some poor care given by staff can work alongside some genuinely incredible and caring people.

More needs to be done!