"Concerns about care"

This is regarding the unacceptable standard of care my husband received following his admission to Antrim Area Hospital Emergency Department. My husband, who suffers from dementia, was taken to hospital by ambulance after a fall one recent morning shortly after 9am in his urinated jammys shorts and pad.

Despite his vulnerable condition, he was left sitting on a bed in the Emergency Department for many hours still in his urine-soaked pyjama shorts without being changed, washed, or provided with any dignity or comfort. He was not admitted a Ward until approximately 7.30pm. He had ct scans, bloods and other investigations and not one care provider thought to change or clean him.

By the time he was finally moved, his clothing was still wet, and his skin was red and sore from prolonged exposure to urine. This has caused him unnecessary suffering and distress, and it has been deeply upsetting for me and my family. I had also been informed that the ward has raised concerns about his condition on arrival, which to me further highlights the seriousness of this matter. I was expected to leave my husband in the hospitals care, yet I have significant concerns about his safety, dignity and wellbeing given the way he was left on admission.

I find this treatment is wholly unacceptable and to me demonstrates a clear failure in duty of care towards a vulnerable patient.