"Gentian Ward King George Hospital"

Having visited my uncle today here is my experience of Gentian ward: The nurses were pleasant and the ward was clean, but unfortunately the basic care was poor. My uncle has vascular dementia and was admitted with dehydration, but he did not have any water within reach. He was sat in the chair with a table, but his jug was on his locker on the other side of his bed and there was no cup! Someone had kindly given him a paper to read, but he told me he couldn't see it without his glasses. His glasses were locked away. Surely these types of things are basic care and common sense. There were lots of nurses at the nurses station sitting chatting together, there were doctors present and HCAs all around, so clearly no staff shortages, yet my uncle looked like he hadn't had a shave since before admission; again basic care. There was absolutely no stimulation for patients. My uncle was just sitting, no radio, no TV and sadly all nurse too busy talking to each other and not to their patients; my uncle could benefit form someone to encourage him to eat and drink. These are my observations. Please can someone try to see the bigger picture of the patient experience. The nurses station (if that's what it is meant to be??) doesn't help patient care, ideally a ward clerk or receptionist should man the station and the nurses should be doing what they are paid to do...... to care, to spend time with patients who are unwell, vulnerable and lonely. It doesn't take much to meet patients basic needs and make a difference. If any staff from Gentian ward read this, please consider that you have power to make a difference to people like my uncle and go and speak to your patients, find out who they are and what you can do to help them. You have to power!