"Relative of a patient on Billinge ward"

Billings ward.

My step dad was on the ward following transfer from Salford Royal. . While the ward was clean there was no complaints about that there are issues around communication and involvement of family. As far as communication from the staff, inclusion in care and discharge planning this was very poor. My step dad is my mums career and this was never discussed with my mum or us who were in attendance every afternoon at visiting. There was a note in the discharge that my step dad expressed he would need support but none arranged? Whilst it was decided a week before discharge he would be leaving on that date his assessments were only being done on the day before, and we were told he may even be coming home the evening before. There was no consistent communication and at no time did any staff ask to speak to my mum or us about what support may be required,

To ensure my step dad could cope at home and my mum.

He was discharged last Thursday and so far they have had two out of four nights without sleep and the SALT team cancelled their first visit today - Monday, so they have been without support since last Thursday. We live away from our parents and are trying to support from a distance, they do not even know what medication he has or has not taken.

Whilst the staff on the ward said they wanted to ensure a safe transfer and discharge, it seems they are only too desperate to vacate a bed no matter what the consequences without support in the community. So far they have had two totally disturbed nights and my step sister had to take him for review on Saturday at the out of hours due to a night where he was totally confused and disorientated. The social worker who did the pre discharge assessment only spoke to my step dad who is unaware he is confused in the night - A point I believe of concern from a consultant who called a meeting but unfortunately did not make it in due to the weather. The social worker never enquiried about the home set up and possible support that may be required. My step dad was desperate to come home so would have said anything to ensure his discharge.

Is this the way you prepare your patients for a successful discharge? I’s this the way your posters on the ward tell us about involvement in care and discharge?

Whenever we asked to speak to a member of staff they said they would get back to us but we’re always too busy or did not actually know our step dad so could not comment if he appeared confused. The only nurse that came when asked and knew him was Dave.

I think there are a few points of learning here as to how relatives are involved in discharge planning and communication.

Whilst I as a health professional appreciate the demands on ward staff I find this issues unacceptable.