"Concerns around inpatient care & communication to families"

After a family member was an inpatient on Lesney Ward, Queen Mary Hospital, we feel we must raise concerns over the care for patients and communication towards family members in this setting.

After reading CQC reports stating this unit rates as 'good' we expected such, but found the provision inadequate. We want to bring to your attention our concerns as a family for the safety of other vulnerable patients on this ward.

We feel our family member was treated appallingly, from finding unexplained bruises on our loved ones arms to them having no access to their clothing or a change of underwear for days. This was justified by staff by saying they thought our family member would run away with their suitcase, surprising as it was a locked inpatient unit!

The communication with the family was poor, from being denied access to visit or speak to our family member on the ward, to the abrupt communication style of certain senior ward staff, particularly around the use of medication. During one such meeting one of our family members was told to pull themselves together, as a response to attempts to have a care plan conversation. As a family we feel this level of care was very unprofessional, and lacked empathy towards vulnerable patients and worried family members alike.

We have great concerns over the running and management of this inpatient ward, and the overall safety of those on admission.