"Update to 'Admission during the Covid-19 period'"

Since I wrote my original post my husband was sent home but sadly he was readmitted on Tuesday, he was screened for Covid-19 and was negative and so moved to a medical specialist ward 110.

My husband has an infection and has confusion, when he has a lucid moment he wants to speak to me but his tv phone unit does not work properly and he has no mobile with him as his is too small for him to handle now. I have a new one arriving soon and I am hoping to be able to get it to him. He has limited voice which also makes it difficult for him to communicate over the phone and it distresses him that I am not there.

I am not faulting his care at all but I am concerned that he has been shielded at home for months and is on a medical ward with others and not in his own room. I was told by a Dr that he was at high risk of contracting Covid in the hospital which worried me, I know all patients are screened but this did scare me.

Phoning the ward is a nightmare as it takes ages to get through, like recently I phoned at 9. 20am and spoke to a nurse to be told my husbands nurse was on a breakfast break and to call back in 30mins. I did that and until now 10. 55am I have had no answer from the ward and cannot get through to speak to anyone about his care. He had a bad night and there are issues I need to discuss but cannot get anyone in able to do so.

I have requested to speak to a Dr and hope that I do get a call. My husband is getting confusion and feels isolated in his situation and with the best will in the world the nurses do their best but are busy and under a lot of pressure and cannot give him the reassurance he needs now as he feels vulnerable.

I feel helpless, but I know there are provisions for patients where it could be in their best interest to allow one visitor under strict restrictions and I want to discuss the possibility of this. He is 70, confused, having things done to him he not sure of, he tries to call me but can't properly and when he can he sounds worried and wants me, he asking if I am coming up to see him and its difficult to make him understand wht I am not there.

The irony of this situation is that from the 13th of this month one visitor by appointment can be allowed. I am thankful for the care he is receiving medically but he needs someone to help speak for him and reassure him and thats me.

I know the ward busy but you should at least be able to get through by phone and not have to keep ringing and ringing for 3/4hr. The nurses have been lovely with him but they do not have enough time to do everything.............