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Did not involve the patient / relatives in...

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"Did not involve the patient / relatives in..."

About: Hospital Of St Cross (Rugby)

What I liked

My father was admitted (via A&E) to Hoskyn Ward on 16/11/11 and discharged from Brich Ward on 25/11/11.

Whilst his care was generrally ok I do have one major concern.

I asked three times during his stay (in front of him with his full permission) if his medicines had been changed since his admission. I was told 'no' each time.

Whilst I cannnot comment on the decision to start him on night sedation on day one of his admission. I do know that this is not recommended in most guidelines and, in fact ,can be associated with falls in the elderly.

I find it inexcusible that he (or his relatives / advocates) were never involved in the decision and incorrectly told that his medicines had not been changed.

What happened to 'no decision about me without me?!

What could be improved

Training and education around shared decision making for medicines.

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Responses

Response from Hospital Of St Cross 12 years ago
Hospital Of St Cross

Submitted on 29/12/2011 at 09:19
Published on nhs.uk on 30/12/2011 at 04:00

Thank you for taking the time to contact us as we value all feedback on the care we provide.

It would normally be good practice to discuss changes in medication with a patient, but not necessarily the relative, due to confidentiality. There may also be situations where patients do not have sufficient capacity to be involved in such discussions / decisions, in which case it is the duty of the medical team to act in the patient’s best interests. In such cases, again it would be reasonable to explain the changes to relatives, if they are available, which may not be the case. However, the relatives do not have the right to make healthcare decisions regarding treatment where a patient lacks capacity, unless they have a lasting power of attorney which states otherwise.

As we do not have your father's details it is difficult to respond to your specific comments on his care and treatment.

If you would like to further discuss any of the above points please contact our PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) team either by phone 0800 028 4203; by email PALS@uhcw.nhs.uk; in person through the Reception Desk at University Hospital, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) 9am -12.30pm and 1pm – 5pm; or in writing to: Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, University Hospital, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX.

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