"Elderly relative flu diagnosis"

An elderly relative was admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary recently after having been diagnosed the previous day with a chest infection. She was found on the floor at home having slipped off her bed and lain on the floor all night.

She was seen by a GP at home who arranged for ambulance transport to ARI that night. 

Initially she was taken to ward 101 where she was kept overnight as there were no beds for her elsewhere. The following day she was moved to ward 102, geriatric assessment ward.

Three days later it was confirmed that she was positive for influenza type A and was barrier nursed from then on. 

My concerns for my relative were the lack of apparent time and care given to oral hydration, feeding and mobility throughout her stay in 102.

She was sitting in her chair from morning until night. The only direct contact I witnessed from nurses was when an intervention was required such as observations, toileting or someone placing food on her table and then leaving.

With regards to meals, I feel that much much smaller more tempting portions would be more appropriate for elderly, frail people who are very unwell. In one instance I witnessed a very large plate of hot food and a tub of ice cream which was already melting being placed in front of my relative which instantly put her off eating. Subsequently she did not touch any of the food. 

Orientation boards in her room - I was pleasantly surprised to see this on the wall when I visited her for the first time but was quickly disheartened to see that this was not kept up to date.  Surely if these boards are to be used at all, they should be filled in daily to avoid further confusion.

The soap dispenser in her room was empty for at least two days despite the fact she was being barrier nursed and the hand gel dispenser at the entrance to the ward was empty each time I tried to used it for at least 7 days.

After speaking with one of the doctors who advised my relative would be discharged the following day, I mentioned if she was going to be discharged the next day I would prefer to have her discharged in the late morning. This was to allow me to make the long journey on my own with her in daylight. However, it was around 3pm before the doctor's letter was in place to allow her to leave. As a result she had been up and dressed first thing in the morning and sat in her chair until discharge.

It also became apparent on arriving home that basic oral hygiene had not been carried out as I discovered medication tablets and foodstuffs stuck in her denture plate.

I appreciate that NHS staff are under a great deal of pressure, especially at this time of year. However I find it quite disheartening that basic nursing skills were not apparent, despite all of the technology available to make things easier nowadays. 
The prompt service from the occupational therapist was good.