"Staffing, education and communication"

This event involved my 82 year mum who suffers from  dementia and has a history of falls. She was admitted to Inverclyde Royal hospital  G north at the beginning of April with delirium and poor mobility. Within 24 hours of admission she had fallen trying to get out of bed unsupervised. No phone call from staff was made to NOK.

I spoke with a nurse by phone and she told me that mum had fallen but no bony injury. My elderly dad visited the next day to be told his wife had had “a wee fall” and nothing to worry about. It transpired my mum had sustained a vertebral fracture and had to wear a full body brace to avoid further damage. It was at this point a bed alarm was put in place.  My understanding is that it is NHSGGC policy to contact NOK when a someone falls in hospital. Falls documentation should be used with those with a known falls risk. 

I was visiting my mum in the ward and she needed to go to the toilet. A nursing support worker came to assist. As mum needed assistance of 2 and there were no other staff available she had to use a bed pan in a room with three other patients close by. When challenged on this I was told there was only one member of staff, so toileting in bed was the only option. I spoke to the nurse in charge that day and they were very apologetic but admitted that there was minimal staff to cover a 30 bed medical receiving ward. Staffing levels also meant mum spent prolonged periods of time in bed due falls risk. 

I phoned one evening and spoke with the Charge nurse. When I asked how mum was doing, they said they didn’t know anything about her and would need to ask a colleague. Is it not the role of the Charge Nurse to have a knowledge of the patients in her care? 

Mum was transferred to Woodland View Community hospital at the beginning of May for ongoing rehab. The environment and staffing were far more conducive to an elderly lady suffering from dementia. Mum settled well but visiting was limited to 1 visitor at a time and two nominated visitors per week due to Covid. My dad was informed that he was only allowed to visit mum for 30 minutes each day. I spoke with ward staff to inform them of NHS Scotland policy on dementia in hospital and the flexibility that should be shown to visitors and length of time they can spend with their relative. I was told staff were not aware of this even though on checking the NHS A&A website it indicated that flexibility should be shown around dementia care and visiting.  

I was saddened that her admission was prolonged (9 weeks) because of the fall and lack of staff to allow her out of bed to regain mobility quicker. This could have lead to a shorter admission and less distress to both my elderly parents. 

It is the responsibility of staff to ensure they are up to date with training on key issues such as falls and dementia. 

I am aware of the pressures the NHS is under but effective communication and knowledgeable staff could have made the admission less upsetting for all involved.