"Gran's Stroke"

My gran suffered a stroke in July 2020 and was taken to the Vic where she was in AU1 for just over a day and then moved to ward 42. At this time visiting was allowed for 1 hour per day for one visitor. I thought her and the family's experience was a mixed one.

Whilst in AU1 there was very little communication with the family regarding her condition - When I called asking about my gran her NOK details were incorrect - a name no-one in my family has ever heard of. However the nurse I spoke with was very helpful on the phone and provided reassurance regarding my gran.

When she was moved to ward 42 we were not informed when this happened. The care she received in the ward was very good, especially by the physios. As I was my grans designated visitor I saw the progression in my grans mobility and her white board behind her bed was continually updated with her new mobility levels. The nurses were helpful regarding my grans discharge planning and kept me informed appropriately. They were very understanding and allowed me to take my gran down to the front door for fresh air when I visited which I believe increased my grans mood whilst in the hospital.

The only annoying thing regarding the 1 hour visiting slot was that there were a few occasions when myself ( and other relatives) were waiting anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes before being allowed entry onto the ward. I understand the staff are busy during this time but it was frustrating when under a one hour time slot and as I work in a hospital based my visiting times off my shift start/end times.