"Clostridium difficile potentially life-threatening"

My father who is 85 yrs old was admitted to the High Dependency Unit in February following a heart attack. After a few days he was transferred to Roskear ward. I visited him on the 1 March and he had developed a temperature and was very unwell. The next day he was moved to a side room and I was told he had C. difficile. He was dehydrated and having constant diarrhoea.

His care was adequate but not good. I came home on 4 March. I asked that he not be discharged home but be transferred to Helston community hospital or have care in his own home. I live in Bristol and have family commitment i.e. a disabled child.

I was surprised when he phoned me to say he was home on the 15th march. I contacted Age Concern and his GP who eventually got the rapid response team involved. His condition has deteriorated - thrush and C. diff – again. He has lost 2 stone. His GP did not know he had C. diff in hosp!

There is little hope for dad now. What a way to die. The old need a voice. I have spoken to at least two people whose parents while in hospital contracted C. diff and it is potentially life-threatening to the elderly.