My 94 year old mother has just been discharged after a fortnight at the new Southmead Hospital. Of several hospital stays over the last few years, this was by far the most worrying, for her and for me. The medical treatment she was prescribed took account of her advanced years and complex problems; the nursing and care staff treated her with respect, competence and good humour; and the food and furnishings were fine. But accommodation in a single room with no staff close by was frightening. The room contained no clues as to its purpose or whereabouts, nor any entertainment. My mother could not remember that she was supposed to call staff rather than getting up herself, and staff response times could anyway be slow ( they are very busy). Twenty-eight of the thirty-two beds on my mother's ward are in single rooms ie there is only one four-bedded room, for which competition is fierce. There is no CCTV so staff cannot monitor patients, most of whom are well out of sight. Doors are left open so patients may be heard, which can be distressing. It doesn't feel secure ( and probably isn't - my mother came home minus her handbag and hearing aids). There need to be more multi-bedded rooms and more supervision , preferably by more staff. And TVs are needed urgently to help 'ground' the confused.
"Unsuitable accommodation for confused elderly..."
About: Southmead Hospital Southmead Hospital Bristol BS10 5NB
Posted via nhs.uk
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