My elderly cousin is currently in the hospital. She has dementia, a bowl that repeatedly twists called a sigmund vulvulous, a hiatus hernia, potassium levels that continually drop to dangerous levels and she has a mega bowl. In the last few months she has been in at least 5 times. Notes are not read, notes are lost, perscribed meds from previous admissions are not given probably because the notes are not read! The continuity of care is appauling and no one seems to know a thing, staff dont know why things such as xrays were not done. One medical professional says one thing and another the opposite. Simple internet research has provided me with what seems like more information regarding her condition than the professionals. Trying to get information over the phone, even as next of kin, is sometimes virtually impossible, it took us 5 attemps today to talk to the nurse who was dealing with her. I am shocked at the disregard for the elderly, vunerable and frail in fhis hospital. Dementia is a terrible condition and while training is given is seems to be lacking on the ward that has a lot of dementia patients. On one ward she was left partially dressed in her soiled incontinence pads for hours. On another occasion she was able to get out of bed and the fell in front of an ipunmanned nurses station. The wards are understaffed and the staff that are there are over stretched. One consultant i spoke to was uncaring, dismissive and rude. Some staff are amazingly caring and they should be commended, sadly they are the minority and as such really shine.
"The continuity of care is appauling"
About: East Surrey Hospital East Surrey Hospital Redhill RH1 5RH
Posted via nhs.uk
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