"Communicate with the family when requested please"

The hospital is very busy, kept clean but one of the most important factors is missing - communication. When a member of staff is approached they do not make eye contact and 'busy' themselves as to make sure they dont get roped into anything, this is not only annoying but incredibly distressing. A close member of my family was admitted and an assessment was requested as mobility had diminished. This was never granted or mentioned but my family member was sent home to live alone - the family had been unable to make any arrangements whatsoever as the assessment and advice requested was not forthcoming. Two days later my family member ended up back in hospital- the doctor said home shouldn't have been an option as there is obviously a problem. This doctor was asked to advise what action should be taken by the family etc etc - reply: someone should be in touch with you to assess the situation - great fantastic at last!. This again never happened. The stress and anxiety of having a close loved one in a very poorly state does not help when you are expected to get the whole future of someone's life sorted out in a couple of days. To draw to a close doctors asked when the bed would be vacated - answered don't no as we are awaiting contact from 'someone' to advise us or just point us in the right direction - ok Day later my loved one passed away...... Since all of this I made some enquiries which may help others - Contact Age UK they can give you lots of advice and explain your rights - which I wish I'd had done sooner. Also if you are told by the hospital that your loved one is being discharged - ask why they are discharging them. I can assure you; you will be told the hospital is not discharging them - but if you take your loved one out of the hospital then you have discharged them. Hope this helps :o)