"My fathers stay in Ward 29 & return home"

My father (83yrs old) had a fall at home and an ambulance was called and took him to hospital for a scan to ensure all was ok. He went in for a 3 night stay in August. As far as we know he underwent scans and X-ray and no problems were found.

My father predominately suffers from Parkinson’s. I am writing as the care and attention he received whilst in hospital was absolutely appalling. He was left in his bed for the majority of his stay. He would try and ask the nurses for several things but would always get ‘just a minute’ response and no one would come back. We were not allowed to speak to him despite ringing several times a day. He was given food not appropriate as he has swallowing difficulty (eg sandwiches) yet on the discharge note they have advised in great detail how his food should be prepared etc. He was only given water to drink.

Prior to his hospital visit he was able to walk aided by a stick however after no exercise and not eating due to the food provided he was so weak after he returned that he could not even walk. Many a time my mother asked why it took four days to do tests but no one could give an answer. Then finally on the day of his return he left the ward at 715pm but arrived at home at 10pm. It’s only a 20min drive. There were two other patients in the ambulance however these were both walking unaided and were middle aged. These two people were dropped of first but why so long a journey, where were they being dropped of??? Why leave an elderly man to last?? He actually said I’m getting hot here and was met with Oh you’ll be ok by the driver. These two other patients were quite happy chatting and laughing with the driver and other ambulance man.

I’m just so disappointed that the care was so poor and my father is actually worse now after his visit to hospital. If in the unfortunate case that we have to call an ambulance again can we opt not to go Heartlands Hospital??