"Dignity and compassion; competency"

My husband was admitted to ward 25 post stroke where he was treated for 5 days from 20 to 24th November 2017. Assessment & treatment from admission to A&E was swift and efficient. On admission at ward 25 aspects of his care were disappointing and distressing.

Due to dysphagia he was on a naso gastric feed from the 2nd day 21.11.2017. Tube was inserted that afternoon and when I enquired why the feed had not been started the nurse told me that the required feed was unavailable. Not only was it out of stock in ward 25 and 26 but they were unable to tell me if this would be made available if at all. I was horrified to hear this and requested to speak to someone senior and was advised that matron was not available. My husband's brother visiting at the time could not believe how rude and off standish their behaviour was towards me and his brother. The feed did miraculously appear within 45 minutes as I had made it quite evident that I was very unhappy about the situation.

The following morning while at his bedside my husband was asleep and a senior nurse within the ward came to the bedside. They did not bother to introduce them self or offer any explanation or wake my husband up and quite suddenly grabbed the bed remote and jolted my husband up at a 45 degree waking him up.

I said good morning what's all this and they walked off muttering that he needs to be at this position due to the feed. Their attitude was very rude to say the least.

I requested once again to see matron and until my husband was moved to the Leicester General not one member of staff approached to enquire about my concerns. I am very disappointed at the lack of communication from members of this team at ward 25.

I am appalled at the lack of understanding or compassion shown to us. I understand that this team is working in a very demanding and busy environment. However I believe this type of behaviour is not appropriate or acceptable. Showing some compassion or being polite is very much part of nursing practise and ethics and ought to be exercised at all times.

I must add that the team's clinical practice is not in question but some soft skills would not go amiss.

I also take into account that staff shortage can be having an impact. I do sincerely believe the NHS to be a fantastic institution serving a lot of people and hope that some simple compassion and basic communication unfortunately lacking during patient care can make experiences such as mine very unpleasant indeed.