Disappointed I was not allowed entry to A& E to assist my frail 90 yr old mother both physically and in terms of communicating. We were both masked, vaccinated and had no temperatures. Learned later that other couples were together but my mother had to walk in alone. I learned later she was embarrassed, as she had to shout and everyone could hear. She had previously told the nurse at the door that "my daughter is my ears" and I had also indicated the communication difficulties but she still had to go in alone. I had to walk away sick with worry on how she could communicate and whether she would pass out, as she was so frail. She had been bed bound for a full week prior to arrival at A& E. The nurse at the door offered no assistance to get her to reception or even assist her there. This was horrendous for both of us. I learned later it was at least 4 hours before she was given a drink and something to eat.
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I cannot understand why on my mother's admission to Neely Ward that the Nurse merely showed her the bed. She did not point out her locker; my mother had to ask another patient which locker she should use. The Nurse did not offer assistance in unpacking and nor was Mum shown the bell to ring for assistance, the TV/radio and how to operate these, or if required, provided with earphones. Nor did the Nurse explain about the Ward's portable telephone (not everyone has a mobile). Surely, this should be standard practice on admission? My mother only learned of their existence several days later and the Nurse had no idea if earphones were available. Disappointed to learn that my mother had indicated on several occasions that the handwash in the bathroom was empty and needed replaced. Also disgusted to learn that when my mother went to the bathroom she found a filled specimen tray in the toilet. She had to call a Nurse who removed it by merely placing it on the bathroom floor and left! On discharge the handwash was still empty!
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Although the nursing and medical staff within Neely Ward took excellent care of my mother and I appreciate everything they did to get her on the road to recovery, an issue raised would be as follows.:-
The nursing staff are in soft shoes but this proved ironic as on a regular basis throughout the day and night they were disposing of rubbish or gloves into a bin that had no rubber seal on the rim. Therefore, the bin would bang and the patients would jump. This went on throughout the night which meant the patients were not getting a restful sleep due to this clanging bin. Surely, someone can fit a rubber seal to a bin/bins and avoid unnecessary noise?
"Admission of mother via A&E to Neely Ward"
About: The Ulster Hospital / Emergency Department The Ulster Hospital Emergency Department BT16 1RH The Ulster Hospital / Neely Ward The Ulster Hospital Neely Ward Newtownards BT16 1RH
Posted by learningpq39 (as ),
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