"Physiotherapy"

Husband  is in ward 27 of  the Royal Alexandra Hospital in  Paisley . Admitted in June with Sepsis, which has been a rollercoaster and at one point we were told that he might not make it when he was moved to high dependency . He is in recovery now and our complaint is about physiotherapy input or lack of it . 

Prior to this illness my husband was mobile , driving , going to football games sometimes using crutches when there was more walking involved eg taking the dog for a walk .He is now unable to weight bare with  staff using a hoist from bed to chair 

He hasn't had a shower since admission as the side room and door frame cannot accommodate a  hoist or wheelchair due to space .His skin is constantly itch and dry and no amount of cream or piriton has helped the symptoms . My husband is over weight , can be classed as Bariatric and is  under the care of the specialist weight management .

This is a man that has lost weight , muscle  and strength weakness due to being confined to a bed . Physiotherapy had initially welcomed his motivation , they were saying all the right things , however this has tapered off with my husband every day asking if physiotherapy were coming . Then the excuses started , need to consult health and safety due to his weight  , not ordered the right equipment , waiting on bed manager moving him into a room with more space , not enough physiotherapist available need I go on . We have not seen a detailed assessment or recovery focused rehabilitation plan .

From a physiotherapist last week came the nail in the coffin , they don't necessarily need to offer him physiotherapy . This is the hardest part of their job , due to his age  of 54 , he doesn't meet their requirements  of under 52 or above 65 years of age , we would be interested in finding out the criteria and age categories for physiotherapy .

An NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde leaflet for patients about the role of Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist  says that:

A physiotherapist will assess your muscle strength and range of movement. They will also look at your balance and walking. After your assessment they will work with you to try to improve your independence

What to expect from your Physiotherapist…

• They will assess your muscle strength, range of movement, balance and walking.

• They will look at how you get on and off the bed and chair.

• They will look at your walking using a walking aid if you have one or can assess you for a walking aid if required.

• They will provide you with exercises depending on your assessment.

• If you have stairs at home they will take you to the stairs in hospital to assess your ability to manage.

• They may make referrals for further physiotherapy when you leave hospital.

• They will work with you, alongside other members of the ward team (nurses, doctors, occupational therapists) to help plan your discharge from hospital.

In summary as my husband reported to the Consultant yesterday and nursing staff so that's it, just lie in this bed , no resources to reduce deconditioning, no exercise plan, no rehabilitation passport or active ward and certainly no dignity and age discrimination .