"lack of care"

my dad was admitted to Leicester Royal Infirmary ward 19 on jan 15 2009. In July 2008 he had an amputation of his right leg above the knee due to vascular disease, and unfortunately his left leg was going the same. Dad had an appointment to see his consultant the following thursday, but he was in so much pain his GP referred him to the ward so he could see the consultant earlier. He was admitted to the ward on the thursday evening, left for about three hours before being seen to, eventually given a bed and that was when my brother left him.

The following evening, i went to visit my dad on that ward. I was shocked to see how much my dad had deteriorated, he was lying on the bed, very close to edge, with his left leg hanging out. I noticed there were a pot of tablets on the table, asked dad if he should of taken them, but he was so delerious i went to ask a nurse. She said would find out for me, i also asked for a jug of water and a beaker. About an hour later she returned to say yes he should of took the tablets at 6pm, it was now 8pm. I stressed my concerns about my dad, he was confused, in pain and "very unwell". i also asked if dad had received any treatment for his infection in his left leg. I was told dad hadnt had any treatment yet. also that he hadnt had a scan, and she didnt know if he had seen his consultant.

I was left feeling frustrated that she really didnt seem concerned. She said to me "dont worry bout your dad, we know him from before". the patient opposite my dad advised me he HAD had a scan, at the bedside that day. The nurse seemed embarassed and left. the lady next to my dad said he had been very poorly and that she had helped to stop him falling out of bed, helping him with a drink and taking his pills because he couldnt manage and the nurse would leave his pills on the table and leave. she said no one bothered to check on my dad. Unfortunately the visiting time had gone way past, it was 9 pm and reluctantly i left the ward.

On the saturday morning i raised my concerns with my brother, he rang the ward and the sister said my dad looked poorly.

i was so concerned i went to the hosptal earlier than allowed, i found my dad in the same position as the day before. he looked very poorly and said he had been sick, i expressed my concerns again to a nurse, but she didnt do anything. my brother and i decided enough was enough and complained. a ward manager spoke with us and promised things would improve.

this is the list we complained about.

Drugs not being administered, especially angina pills

no assistance with dads toileting

no drinks or food and assitance with both

leaving dad without the bell for the nurse

no observatiions

no treatment for the infection

cots sides not being used to prevent him falling

ignoring our concerns for dad

ignoring other patients concerns for dad

forgetting my dad was in a bed on that ward

this meeting was at about 2pm

after this care and treatment was provided, but it was too little too late

my dad passed away just three hours later.

we are devastated and in our opinion dad should not have died. i believe it was because he wasnt given his angina pills and was neglected with the most basic of care.