"Exceptional Hospital Care"

My relative has received exceptional care in hospital for many years. The staff have always been very caring compassionate and competent. She felt very comfortable within the environment and was made to feel  part of a family. There are too many names to mention but many stand out and reception always had a smile and a kind word.

Ward B2 also provided stand out care. All members of staff, from the nurses to the domestic staff gave fantastic care and showed great compassion. Sadly this was my relative's final stay in hospital as her condition by this time was terminal, however the staff worked very quickly to allow my relative home to palliative care. We were passed over to the Haven team with medication and pain relief supervised by the community nurses. Within hours a hospital bed was set up in the living room overlooking the garden. The speed and efficiency was truly impressive, particularly during this very difficult time. Excellent nursing care continued from all staff. Sadly I have forgotten the names as this was a traumatic time. My relative passed away peacefully and pain free in her own home, which was her wish.

Powerful prescription medication was required to maintain comfort. After my relative passed I was asked to return the drugs to the dispensing pharmacy, as is normal practice. I attended the pharmacy but was informed that during the covid crisis they were no longer accepting the unused drugs. I contacted the community nurses who informed me a couple of days later that they would now accept the drugs. I again visited the pharmacy only to be informed that they would not accept unused drugs under any circumstances. I updated the community nurses to my situation.

I'm certain that this goes against policy on the handling and disposal of schedule one prescription drugs. I'm sure we will not be alone in this situation and feel there is an increased risk to vulnerable grieving individuals, it also puts young children at risk and could even provide an opportunity for illicit drug abuse.

I think that this is a highly unsatisfactory situation to which a solution must be found. We are still in possession of these drugs and need advice. I do not hold any of the excellent nursing staff responsible for this, it is clearly a management issue. I think there has been some discussion, but sadly no solution.