"Attitude of staff"

My mother is an 83 year old independent self caring lady with no medical history of to note, who after a couple of infections developed confusion and extreme weakness refusing to eat or drink. Reviewed by our gp was admitted to admissions unit 1 at the Victoria hospital Kirkcaldy.

On arrival our letter was taken by a receptionist whose manner left a lot to be desired. They read the letter and a short time later came to take my mum into the assessment unit telling me I might not be able to come with her. At my insistence I did, we were left in a small waiting area with other patients no idea what would happen next or any idea how long we would be. She was assessed and told she was suffering from delirium that was probably best managed at home. The assessing nurse commented how dehydrated my mum was and might need fluids, at no time did any staff offer water to her it was only when we asked for it on at least 3 occasions was it given. She was admitted eventually then left in a bay with 2 other ladies, 2 of whom were obviously ill. They called for nurses and no one came. They were trying to get to the toilet and it was only after we spoke on at least 2 occasions to different nurses with promises of returning did someone eventually come. From the conversation heard too late. Another lady was crying as she had nothing to eat all day again she was promised food on 2 occasions by different nurses and nothing arrived.

I left my mum at 9 pm reluctantly after 5 hours in this ward having never seen a doctor, no record of her input or output being done, no further assessment of her delirium and no fluids. I felt she was seen as a bed blocker because of her age from arrival. It was clear they wanted her home ASAP just as we do but we want to know first what has caused this and treatment commenced to resolve it. I myself work in a hospital I have nurses for 43 years and proud of my profession but yesterday was ashamed of the treatment and attitude of staff we came into contact with.