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"No discharge planning or follow up"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Acute Short Stay Medicine Community Services in Grampian

(as a relative),

My sister was admitted to Aberdeen RI in middle of May 2022. She has numerous serious health problems and following the admission was left with urinary incontinence which persists. There was no follow up plan, no referral to support services, no care plan whilst in hospital (when she asked for a care plan, she was presented with 4 lines written on the back of an envelope.)

To date, nearly 2 weeks following discharge, she had one call from a district nurse to say they don't cover her area (Kemnay) but didn't give any practical advice about who does. She's had to borrow a commode, shower seat etc. from a neighbour and is struggling massively yet still no contact or plan from anyone in the community.  She is far too poorly to be trying to chase up healthcare professionals who, quite frankly, seen totally dismissive, at times rude and appeared to have forgotten that patients should be informed, consulted and listened to. 

I myself have worked in the NHS for most of my life and am appalled at the lack of continuity, care, compassion and any follow up.

I personally feel that Consultant involved is annoyed that my sister does not want to follow her conventional treatment plan so is now dismissive and can't be bothered. The only discussions that seem to have had any momentum were those around a DNR which the hospital were pushing. 

She needs care in the community but this seems to be seriously lacking with no professional taking any lead in organising this. 

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Responses

Response from Kirsten Dickson, Quality Improvement and Assurance Facilitator, Quality Improvement and Assurance Team, NHS Grampian nearly 2 years ago
Kirsten Dickson
Quality Improvement and Assurance Facilitator, Quality Improvement and Assurance Team,
NHS Grampian
Submitted on 30/06/2022 at 11:08
Published on Care Opinion at 11:08


picture of Kirsten Dickson

Dear Lynne1,

I’m so sorry to hear about your sister’s experience and how it’s left you both feeling dismissed. It’s important patients get the right care and are listened to whilst in hospital, and that that continues once home, and I’m sorry this doesn’t seem to have happened.

Seeing a family member struggling is difficult and I understand why you have contacted us. I know not everyone is fortunate to have someone looking out for them and that's why it’s important we try to find out why this has happened and also get your sister the care she needs.

I work with the Quality Improvement and Assurance Team and have a role in making sure feedback reaches the right teams and I would like to do this with your story too. If you feel comfortable would you contact me either by email (kirsten.dickson@nhs.scot ) or by text/phone: 07885720267 with some more details?

In the meantime I will pass your story to the Aberdeenshire Nursing Team.

Take care,

Kirsten

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