"It was such a relief to know she was there to look after my mother’s rights!"

My mother was admitted to hospital (she has dementia). She had been very unwell and had a bad turn after a UTI. She was unmanageable at home at the time. She was taken in to be put on the right medication to calm her down so we could have her back home ASAP. A number of things happened to my mum when she was in hospital – I. e. I found a nurse shouting at my mum, the nurses dressed her in trousers that were too long, resulting in my mum breaking her arm (amongst other things).

I made 3 complaints. My mother cannot defend herself and lack capacity, I was relying on the hospital to look after my mum but they failed. Every time I spoke with doctors/nurses/consultants they seemed dismissive and threatened us with put the ‘mental health act’ on my mum, this is completely true!

We just wanted mum home safe. I contacted a solicitor who put me in touch with ASC. I explained my mum and us as a family needing help and we didn’t know what to do as we never expected such bad treatment off the hospital.

They put me in touch with Teresa, an Advocate, what a relief! Teresa was an angel, she listened to us and my mum, she took the time to go and talk and listen to my mum and noticed little things the doctors and nurses failed to. She talked with the doctors and nurses and alleviated my worries. There was no messing about with Teresa! : ). The nurse’s attitude changed when she was there and I felt finally now they would listen.

It was such a relief to know she was there to look after my mother’s rights! It was a relief to know after days/weeks of worry finally someone was helping my mother, and us as a family. Teresa attended Doctors rounds meetings and always answered my calls or emails. I don’t think I would have coped without her help, support and guidance.

We finally have our mum home. Thank you ASC and thank you Teresa xx