"Getting my elderly father to hospital ..."

What I liked

Getting my elderly father to hospital by ambulance was excellent

What could be improved

I travelled by ambulance with my elderly father to A&E as his main carer. Once at the hospital, it appeared as if I didn't exist, and I completely support the views of the last comment left on this website, which expressed the view that no-one communicated, and we just had to go along with whatever routines were in place, and don't expect to have any information given, or questions answered.

As my father has a dementia, he is unable to remember key pieces of information. I was asked to wait until the doctor could see him, so that I could help with this information. I was of course happy to do this, but did not expect to have to wait 4 hours without any further explanation or information. Once transferred to the ward after it was decided to admit him, I waited at his bedside for a doctor to arrive. No-one spoke to me. At some point all the staff seemed to disappear. I eventually found them all in their office space where I stood for 10 minutes being ignored. Eventually someone said 'can I help?' I explained the situation to be told that they were changing shift and he would not be seen for at least another 30 mins. At this point I left totally exasperated by the whole experience.

I 'phoned for more information this morning to be told that this was 'confidential' and that I would have to wait until visiting hours. I wonder who else is interested in my 89 year old father whose relatives and friends are all gone? As his sole primary carer, I would have thought the hospital would be pleased that someone is looking after his interests.

Anything else?

Yes, a little respect please - and at least a modicum of information for carers.