"Unsatisfactory Outcome"

My mother is currently a patient on ward 5 at MHH after being admitted for a period of rehabilitation a month ago as a result of numerous falls at home.

This is as a result of her lack of mobility and being unable to care for herself in her home environment.

As far as I can ascertain no rehabilitation has occurred.

According to my mother she is just left in the chair or on the bed and apart from a washing routine and toilet visits no other rehabilitation for her mobility takes place, she describes the food as disgusting.

Following a hospital visit by myself on the 13/1/19 my mother informed me that she had been roughly handled after being left on the toilet for an excessive period of time which resulted in visible finger mark bruises on right upper arm.

I queried this with nursing staff who informed me that the matter was under investigation had been photographed and the result reported back to me.

On 17/1/19 my wife and I attended a meeting to discuss my mothers ongoing care.

We were shown into a room along with my mother, a physio, the consultant, junior doctor and social worker.

We were sat against the wall and both felt uneasy and then intimidated and embarrassed when the consultant accused the family of not doing enough for my mother.

She was informed this was a private matter and we were there to discuss my mothers care.

After a short discussion it was obvious a decision had already been reached to send my mother home.

I asked the physio how my mum was progressing with her mobility.

She informed us she was not, and could not stand or move around without the assistance of two people.

I asked about the bruising to her arm and also new bruising to both her shins.

Nobody knew, and when I pointed out that the bruising to her arm was being investigated a look of bewilderment was apparent.

I was informed again that it would be looked into and they would contact me, I'm still waiting.

I then asked why my mothers hospital bed had been fitted with side rails and blue crash mats, again bewilderment.

A nurse had to be summonsed to answer this question, she didn't know and said it would be looked into.

I know that the ward staff were concerned that my mother would fall out of bed during the night, why didn't they, they have her up to date notes, apparently.

After it became obvious that a we were not going to make any headway and the consultant was keen to leave we asked about my mothers care package as they are sending an 89 year old home who on their own admission can't stand without help, wash herself, go to the toilet unaided or prepare food and drink.

We feel that my mothers wellbeing is being overshadowed by the pressure to send her home rather than discussing other options. I am unhappy with the lack of communication and involvement about my mothers care and the injuries my mother has received as a result of excessive force which has not been dealt with satisfactorily.