I write on two matters on which I have, hopoefully, some helpful comments. 1) My cousin aged over 80 visited his sister and sat with her for half an hour. When I arrived he said she had not spoken or moved. It was obvious to me that she had passed away and I found a nurse, who said she would come and see to her. How could someone be allowed in the room and to sit for that length of time without being told of the death? 2) When visiting my partner in the hospital and again when accompanying him to an outpatients appointment, he gave completely wrong answers to questions asked, e.g. when asked to confirm his address, he instead gave his date of birth. This was due to his impaired hearing. I am concerned that this sort of mistake could lead to dangerous situations if hard of hearing patients give a wrong answer to a question regarding say, medication or bowel movement, have you eaten? etc.etc. Surely all staff could be trained to deal with all people and to be aware that mistakes can happen due to deafness or other impairments, especially where older people are concerned.
"Staff communication"
About: University Hospital Lewisham University Hospital Lewisham London SE13 6LH
Posted via nhs.uk
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