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Where is the duty of care?

Story from nhs.uk

"Where is the duty of care?"

About: Parklands Hospital

My father was admitted 2 weeks ago. While when there everything seems good on the surface, it is only over time you wonder where the duty of care is.

He has been allowed to sleep in the chairs in the hallway for the past week, instead of ushered into his bedroom. Due to sleeping in his clothes, he wakes up and thinks ready dressed. So after 1 week, he has been in the same clothes, with no shower, and uncomfortable sleeping.

Another example, is the doctors put him on blood pressure tables due to it being high on being admitted. We advised he has stopped taking them a month previously, due to swollen ankles. Despite 1 week ago, saying they would speak with the doctors over our concern, he is still on the tablets. His legs are now swollen up to his knees and people do not take note.

The response by the staff is that he is mobile, so they may ask him to move, but they cannot force him to stay. For the shower, they again cannot force him.

However due to the catch-22 situation, the only person that suffers is my father.

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Responses

Response from Parklands Hospital 8 years ago
Parklands Hospital

Submitted on 14/10/2015 at 16:59
Published on nhs.uk on 15/10/2015 at 02:31

I would like to thank you for taking the time to post your valuable feedback. I am very sorry to learn about the concerns you have relating to your father’s care which I can understand is worrying for you. I have liaised with the Ward Manager, Cathy Roberts, Elmwood ward who informs me that when patients are first admitted it takes time for them to familiarise themselves with a new environment and to develop a trusting relationship with staff. It is very important that patients maintain their independence as much as possible. Patients will be encouraged and prompted to sleep in their beds and go to their bedrooms but they cannot be forced.

However, staff will always ensure that their patients are comfortable, monitored and continually encouraged to go to their rooms. With regard to washing, showering and dressing the staffs approach again is encouragement but they will take action and ensure that a patient has a shower with staff support when needed based on the patients choice. Patient’s observations are taken daily and Cathy would welcome to the opportunity to discuss your concerns with you about your father’s medication. There is also an activity co-ordinator who liaises with patients to encourage them to participate in group sessions or on 1:1 basis, this is also based on patient choice and what activity is beneficial for them. There are fortnightly carers meetings which you are welcome to attend but you can talk to Cathy Roberts by phone on 01256 376441 or in person when you visit your father for further assistance and assurance about his care. We would also welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns with you and can be contacted on 02380 874065. Kind regards Jane Tibble Customer Experience Advisor

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