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"Breakdown in Care in the Community"

About: Bellshill Locality Support Service (Disability)

(as a carer),

I fully understand we are in unpresedented territory with COVID-19 and services are stretched.  However, the problem I have may not be concidered a big problem but its most certainly a problem that has an impact on a person on a day to day basis.

My mum was discharged from Ward 12 earlier in March having spent 3 months in Hospital.  The care in Ward 12 was outstanding however, sadly this is not the case within the community.  My mum is incontinent has been for years and is provided with incontinence pads to be used day and night. On discharge from hospital she came to live with me as she was no longer able to care for herself.  The week she was discharged she was subsequently visited at home and assessed by the Bellshill team and advised that a new order of pads would be made and would be delivered to the house.  We waited and no pads arrived.  We were running low so I called the nurses on the over a week later advising that no pads arrived and I was advised they should arrive any day.  A member of the team delivered a pack of pads to the house.  6 days later still no pads, called again.  Advised that the order hadn't went through, this had now been taken care of and the pads would arrive in the next day or so.  Two days later still no pads and pads running low again, called the service and left a message and advised by person I spoke to on the phone they would probably arrive tomorrow.    

We again waited no pads arrived.  We called today advising we have still to get a delivery of pads and are nearly out of them.  I was asked if I had a pen and the member of staff proceeded to give me a number to call to speak to the company about the delivery of the pads.  I explained we only have a few pads left and asked if we could be provided with some meantime. I was told no, that they didn't stock them and didn't have any.  I was told that we would need to buy them and that was that.

I called the number provided and explained the problems I've been having and that the delivery has failed to arrive.  The person I spoke to said they would check and came back to me to tell me the reason for no delivery was that the order had never been activated.  It was then activated it and explained due to demand the order could not be delivered before Friday.  

I now have to go to the supermarket to try and get something to use for my mum in the interim.  Leaving the house despite being told by the medics to self isolate due to myself being in the high risk category but there is nothing else I can do.  I feel so let down by the service and was made feel that I was being a nuisance.

Something that was so simple to do and was not done and has caused this problem.

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Responses

Response from Patricia Kearns, North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership 5 years ago
Patricia Kearns
North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 31/03/2020 at 15:04
Published on Care Opinion at 16:01


Dear A-99

All I can say is that I am so sorry to hear of the difficulties that you and your Mum are experiencing as a result of this administrative error, and apologise unreservedly for this. I am so disappointed that you felt that you were a nuisance whilst pursuing this matter, and again, can only offer a sincere apology for poor or insensitive communication.

Please be assured that I will draw your comments to the attention of the appropriate manager for a fuller explanation. I understand how frustrating this situation must be, particularly at a time when we've all been advised to stay at home unless absolutely necessary.

I really hope that you and your family are safe and well, and thank you for your patience and understanding.

Kindest regards

Patricia Kearns - Senior Officer, Quality Assurance, NL Health and Social Care Partnership

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Update posted by A-99 (a carer)

Dear Patricia, thank you for your kind words, I got pads yesterday I have to tape 2 of them together but they just don't cut it. They leak through and I'm having to repeatedly change mums clothes due to the seepage. Unfortunately she fell whilst I went into another room for clean clothes. She doesn't know what happened. I had to call for an ambulance. She has a minor head injury/cut and various abrasions, bruises to other areas of her body. Its like a domino affect.

Response from Patricia Kearns, North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership 5 years ago
Patricia Kearns
North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 01/04/2020 at 11:33
Published on Care Opinion at 11:58


Dear AA-9

That's awful, and again I'm truly sorry for what's happening to you and your Mum. I understand that simply saying sorry to you must sound disingenuous when you're facing such difficult challenges. I know that a member of the management team will respond to your post today.

I hope that your Mum is recovering and the rest of your family are safe and well. Again, I appreciate your patience and understanding amidst your personal crisis.

Patricia

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Response from Patricia Kearns, North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership 5 years ago
Patricia Kearns
North Lanarkshire Health & Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 02/04/2020 at 11:09
Published on Care Opinion at 11:57


Dear A-99

How are you and your Mum today? I hope that you're feeling a bit more rested - I realise you've had a few very difficult days.

The District Nurse team in Bellshill locality have been in contact with me, and have asked that you call 01698 575700 and ask to speak to the Team Leader. They will be able to give advice, and further support if you think that would be helpful. I'm sure it will be of benefit to you and to your Mum to give them a call.

Once again, I am so sorry for the difficulties that you've faced over the past week, and sincerely hope that your situation will improve. Keep safe and keep well.

Kindest regards

Patricia

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