"My father, a man of 94, was admitted to..."

What I liked

My father, a man of 94, was admitted to the NGH in September and was place in Firth 8. He spent 3 weeks on this ward where all the staff got to know him and treated him with respect and alot of compasion.

He was sent home with a full care package and all the equipment require. Unfortunately he was re-admitted 13 hrs later and the standard of care has been totally the opposite to that which was experianced on Firth 8.

In 6 days he has been on 3 different wards plus a side room. He moved wards once in the early hours of the morning! Several requests for an air matress have been made begining at A and E.After 6 days there was still no sign of the matress, so his own matress from home has been supplied. He recieved an air matress withing 24 hours on Firth 8!

The family have been told that my father only has weeks to live and it is plain to see that everytime he is moved his health is suffering.

Everytime he is moved wards he gets another Doctor.

My Father is a retired GP and though I do not expect any favours, I feel the lack of respect shown to my Father, on this second visit, from some of the other Doctors insulting to say the least. They may like to realise that they too will be old and infirmed and think about the care that they would like to receive!

What could be improved

If a patient is discharged and then readmitted for the same complaint they should be returned to the same doctors and ward especially if elderly, and not have to wait for 4 hours in A and E and be re-assessed all over again.

Air matresses should be standard for the elderly and infirmed and there should always be extra staff on at meal times to assist with feeding etc.

If a patient is moved then the next of kin should be notified as soon as possible.

Anything else?

3 weeks is too long before you can apply for a parking permit!