"Medical care at Musgrave Park"

My mother, who has severe dementia, fell and broke her hip. She was initially seen at Antrim Area Hospital, who then transferred her to The Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) for surgery. Care at the RVH was fine. My Father who is now extremely hard of hearing had been accompanied by either my sister, or myself so that we could help him understand anything that was said or answer any medical questions posed by staff. This was acceptable at both Antrim and RVH.

Upon transfer to Musgrave Park Hospital this changed. Senior staff refused to allow this to happen, despite us explaining the situation. As I had arrived with my father on the first visit we were told that on this occasion only both could see her, but it would be for a reduced time 30mins, instead of 60mins.

On entering the ward I allowed my father to go to my mothers bed, while I spoke to a nurse to check on her care and make sure they had all relevant information. 

So this is were it all starts to go down hill.

Firstly, the RVH hadn’t informed them of my mother being lactose intolerant. If given dairy products she will get severe migraine and diarrhoea. The nurse apologised saying she had already given her some ice cream as she hadn’t been eating or drinking for at least 72hrs prior to being transferred. She added the lactose intolerance information to the medical notes for future reference.

So now the fun begins. My father has to pre-book 1 hour visits, but now only he can visit. Every day either myself or my sister would make 1 phone call to check in with ward as my father can’t hear and therefore can’t tell us much.

On three occasions this week, after being informed of her lactose intolerance, they have said they fed her ice-cream. This has resulted in diarrhoea, which with her not drinking properly is not helping her fluid levels. They have a sign over her bed about lactose intolerance and still they give her dairy products.

All in all, what with her dementia, extreme confusion, recent surgery etc. this is a totally unacceptable level of care from so called health professionals.