"Inconsistent care"

My dad was recently in hospital and after a few days in Ward 53 he was transferred to ward 39. This is a busy ward with many patients, some having complex needs.  The ward had mainly elderly patients, many with dementia related illnesses in addition to their other medical needs.

I found the standard of care to be a bit inconsistent - for example - we were told my dad would be getting home on Monday but on the Sunday night when I asked about it, I was told he wasn't ready to go home. I was pleased to hear this as I felt he has deteriorated since arriving on the ward.

On the Monday morning, he was packed up ready to go at 8:30 in the morning and sat until I arrived for a visit at lunchtime. No one called me to say he was getting home. When I arrived, he seemed worse than he was the day before. I expressed my concerns to the doctor on the ward and they agreed with me and gained permission from their consultant to run some further tests and keep him in hospital until sure he was ok.

I want to thank that young doctor, I have forgotten her name but they handled our concerns very well.  Glad to say that my dad perked up the next day and is home from hospital. Two lovely nurses, who are completely at the top of their game, arranged for home care to start, arranged a final check with the OT nurses and made his last day there so much better than it would have been if he had left the previous day.  Thanks so much - you all make such a difference.