"Communication and general observations"

Since the decant of Melbourne ward patients to Linacre ward, communication is an absolute nightmare.

It is difficult enough to get through on the phone in the first place.

Today it was my sixth attempt when the call was actually picked up.

I have already told senior staff that certain staff need upskilling on how to answer the phone!

I also fear that staff who are new to my spouse have not been fully appraised, or have not had sufficient time to read up on his Melbourne notes.

Am not prepared to go into detail here!

When I call now, I find I am getting the general 'he's fine, eaten well, taken meds etc., etc'

Then when I visit I find my other half has sustained some random damage to his foot that I have not been told about, or that he had a bad night and spent a deal of it on the floor, or, that in his distress he has caused further injury to himself eg; severe scraping injuries to his knuckles.

I feel I get insufficient feedback from his consultant and, as I say, drawing information from staff is like pulling hen's teeth at the moment.

I have told some staff of my concerns.

I appreciate my husband presents as a 'complicated' patient however, this is not the first time I have had concerns and I don't suppose for one minute it will be the last as things stand.

It is extremely frustrating, not to mention mentally exhausting, to have to constantly keep on top of all this 'stuff!' that needs dealing with apart from the fact that he is currently a sick man over and above his dementia. No, I am not prepared to relinquish my role as his advocate to anyone else, let me make that clear.

The on going stress is well worth it but, it really shouldn't be