"Communication - an elderly relative ..."

What could be improved

Communication - an elderly relative was in the hospital for a considerable time and we were never informed of decisions being made or tests /diagnoses carried out. No-one spoke to us unless we approached them and it was always difficult to find someone who knew about the case. Our relative was not encouraged to eat or drink sufficiently and lost a great deal of weight. No-one seemed to know the answers to any questions and we had to keep pressing for the slightest information. Social Services were particularly bad at communicating, the best being a business card left on a table. On one visit the commode was absolutely full and the room smelt terrible - staff had to be asked to deal with it - what if we had not visited? The only time we were spoken to was when we were informed that our relative had stayed longer than the target time allowed and that we should make other arrangements - no-one had even said that she was fit to leave.

Anything else?

Cleanliness was not good, particularly toilet areas. Our relative suffered from an MRSA and winter vomiting. Staff seemed unaware of previous medical history and were surprised when we informed them - surely her doctor's notes should have been available?