"Treatment good, discharge and communication not so good"

Written by Healthwatch Cornwall on behalf of the story provider:

Patient at Treliske today for dialysis. They had gastroenteritis in October and kidney problems and was hospitalised for five weeks. The hospital arranged for the dialysis. Patient spent the time on Grenville Ward (post the Surgical Admissions Lounge).

The patient said they were cross sometimes as they had caught C. Difficile and hospital pneumonia when an inpatient. Patient had previously had an injection for pneumonia but had caught a different strain. The patient thought staff were very good; they sometimes used big words and sometimes there was conflicting information given by doctors and nurses.

The patient had a dialysis line in her neck and was told that they could have a shower but then told that they could not get the line wet.The patient has transport arranged to the hospital, whilst their spouse stays at home. The patient attended the hospital last weekend for a very early appointment and arrived at the Dialysis Unit but was told that they could not go in to the unit until an hour later.

Patient also said that their discharge from Grenville ward was a 'bit bitty'. Patient received tablets and papers and then 'off you go' approach. Left the hospital at the weekend when not many doctors were around but feels it would have been better on a Monday. Patient was given helpful information and ward contact details if any issues. The patient feels that the discharge arrangements could be improved. 

A note from Healthwatch Cornwall