"Non-nursing care on Arethusa Ward"

I have never had to complain about Medway hospital before as various members of my family have received excellent treatment here.

My current concern is the lack of Health Care Assistants on Arethusa Ward.

My Mum has gone eight hours without a hot drink and my sister has been helping other patients who need assistance with eating because no-one is around to help them.

My Mum cannot communicate her needs verbally due to a stroke 7 years ago which left her without speech.

That makes her extremely vulnerable.

They came to take her off the ward for a CT scan a couple of evenings ago in the middle of evening meal time and so she missed her dinner.

If a family member is not about, my Mum's dinner just sits there and goes cold.

We have to ensure my Mum is washed and her teeth cleaned, that she is in a comfortable position in bed etc.

Family members cannot be at their loved ones bedside 24/7 and therefore need the reassurance that they are getting a basic level of care from staff during their stay.

This has caused us great anxiety.

This is not acceptable and I will be addressing the issue with ward staff today.

If I get no joy, I may have to make the complaint official.

Surely having adequate food and fluids is essential to a patient's overall recovery.

However good the nursing care may be, they still need the basics.