"A&E and ward 33"

Anything else?

After admission by ambulance into the assessment bay of A&E (majors) how relieved was I that I was there as a voice for my husband. My husband was booked in under someone else's name and was being addressed by that name, so in fact he wasn't booked in at all until this was rectified - at least 30 minutes after his arrival. After a fall he was badly shaken and confused. Once that was sorted, on a very busy afternoon, he was treated with respect and professionalism every step of the way. My concerns regarding his treatment were listened to and explained in detail. The continuity in care from the doctor treating him and from the staff nurse who was on the night shift was excellent. Note to patients and carers of people with Parkinson's don't assume they will have a supply of your tablets on A&E, they don't.. There is alot of hanging around waiting for results, scans etc but being understanding and proactive helps. I wad adamant that my husband wasn't going to be admitted but the reasons behind the need for his admission were explained politely, calmly and professionally by a senior member of staff. I was reassured that the ward he was being admitted to, ward 33, were used to looking after older patients with complex needs - he was right. The staff on ward 33 work tirelessly. They treated my husband with care and compassion, were easy to talk to and most importantly made sure he got his Parkinson's meds on time. When I wasn't there he was fed by staff and given fluids, my worst nightmare was that he wouldn't be.The nurses worked well as a team and the staff nurses were proactive. Thank you. It can not be an easy ward to work on but they were brilliant. On the negative side, as reported in the news today, once discharge has been given the go ahead everything seems to slow down. Doctors need to write a discharge letter, pharmacy are involved, transport has to be sorted etc. If you can be there to help expedite the process it may help. For anyone who doesn't know the system, hospital is a scary place and regular communication between all staff and patients and or relatives is important. Lastly always charge up your mobile. Sitting around in A&E with no battery and not knowing family telephone numbers off by heart is frustrating. Thank you to everyone who was invoved in his care.