Tonight my 84 year old great uncle was admitted to Mill View Hospital from Royal Sussex County Hospital after he said he wanted to die. He is the most sane, independent man I know and only visited Royal Sussex due to pneumonia. Up until that time he has been independent with all aspects of his life and incredibly in the ball mentally. He was sectioned in RSCH and sent to Mill View as in one conversation with the doctor he said he would kill himself if they sent him home. My uncle has always been a man low in mood and would say to his family regularly that he had had enough and wanted to die as I'm sure many elderly people have. This was just his character and this was explained to the Doctors. Anyway he was sent to mill view for further assessment of his mental state before deciding where to go but cutting a long story short after 2 weeks in RSCH they were in need of his bed back so in my opinion this was the reason why. He has been dressed since 8am with his bags packed as it was assured he would go there in the morning but as is usually the case he's arrived 8 pm instead. On arrival I met him there as I am his niece and like to support him. 2 nurses helped him to the toilet where he fell with their assistance. Then I wanted to stay to comfort him as he was crying and bruised and was told I had to leave. I said can I just help my uncle get settled and he was in distress? I said he is mentally totally with it and shouldn't be here. I also explained how Mill View was not set up for elderly people, there were no access to a commode or bottles to avoid this fall and his call bell was across other side of the wall so out of reach so couldn't ask for assistance when needed the toilet or help. When I stated this to the staff their response was we will put a pad on him overnight- I hate to state the obvious but this is totally un ethical and beyond belief. My uncle is same and continent yet is expected to be incontinent as there is no other choice- it amazes me how staff in such a caring environment can lack such feeling and allow such undignified care for my uncle. I am a nurse myself and it distresses me to understand that there are caregivers that can allow a patient to have to lose all sense of dignity- needless to say I can't imagine they would like to wear a pad themselves. I feel from what I have witnessed this evening my uncle will sadly deteriorate in Mill View and should have been sent for rehab to gain his independence back at home. Despite wanting to care for my uncle and comfort him while he was crying I was sent out by security and staff and told visiting only between 4-8. Sadly my uncle won't make a sound to staff as to not cause trouble and will therefore have no advocate. I will of course make this complaint formal however would also like to make my concerns aware to other people to avoid this place if you want to remain sane.
"Avoid this place"
About: Mill View Hospital Mill View Hospital Hove BN3 7HY
Posted via nhs.uk
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