"Poor care, lack of information and poor staff..."

After receiving wonderful care at the QE, my dad was transferred to MHH late on Mon 14/05/18. A doctor persuaded him that he would benefit from further rehabilitation at MHH. He was on good form when he left the QE and he had recovered well from his initial admission. He was struggling to use his Zimmer frame but it was hoped this would improve in time.

I visited my dad on the Tues at MHH (CCDU) and he was very depressed. He said he kept on being asked the same questions over and over. I just told him to be patient and they were trying their best to help him and identify his needs. They had asked him to make a cup of tea and move around their kitchen but he was unable to do this.

It was very sad to see him so unhappy and was surprised when I saw him the following day and he was happy again - the staff had told him he was going home but had made no mention of it to me. As I was leaving I asked if it was correct and a nurse confirmed this was their intention.

On Thurs, I received a message from his GP, stating an apt had been made for my dad by staff at MHH for Mon. MHH staff had said, after being specifically asked, he could make his own way and didn’t require a home visit. This surprised the GPs’ receptionist as my dad normally received home visits as he was housebound.

My dad came home on Thurs 17/05/18 at 15.45 and he thanked the ambulance staff for their help. As soon as they had left he slumped forward and had a coughing fit. This continued throughout the night with only a few hours relief.

At 04.50 on Friday my dad passed away.

Because my dad was discharged the night before from MHH as “fit for discharge” the coroner had to be informed and a PM carried out. This delayed making the funeral arrangements by a week. It was determined he died from 1) Bi-lateral Pneumonia and Bronchiectasis.

Shortly before he died I checked his medicine bag and found his MHH discharge notes. Bearing in mind my dad only lived with his elderly wife and had no carers I was alarmed at what I read. On one page it mentioned using Proshield Spray & Cream to moisture lesions – Carer/Family to monitor pressure areas daily – Apply moisturising cream to both limbs - Reposition every 2 hours in bed - Keep pressure relived while lying on bed.

He seemed to have a lot of Care requirements but nobody to take care of him – No Carers had been arranged and we were not told about his care requirements. No moisturiser or Pro shield was provided. If he required all this care how he was supposed to make his own way to his GP? One doctor noted on the discharge letter “I was told patient is to go home” and regarding the discharge summary “not documented who wrote it” ..“no additional information” This review is not to get anyone in trouble as that would be pointless. It is left to encourage staff at MHH to ensure a patient being discharged has the right care package in place and their family fully informed. It is also for patients/families to check care is in place if needed.