My elderly mum was admitted for a second time in short succession with bronchial problems - bad cough,low oxygen levels, high temp. She's in her 80s but hasn't experienced this sort of health issue previously. On the first occasion she was treated with IV antibiotics for a suspected UTI infection and sent home. Three days later, the same symptoms and she was taken back to hospital. After a few days of treatment the hospital contacted the nurse at the care home to arrange discharge. They asked what my mum had been treated for (apparently antibiotics for oral thrush?) and they asked why no further scans or tests had been done on her chest - and refused to accept the discharge. These scans were subsequently completed, a bronchial complaint identified, and she was given different/appropriate antibiotics.
None of that feels like careful, personal medical care. But that's not my main gripe. My mum was discharged with significant and very painful sores all around her groin/bottom that are a direct result of not being kept dry/clean - they're not bed sores. She is now being moved and treated every two hours, and yesterday she was squealing with the shooting pains from the sores. This is completely unacceptable care. I understand that my mum's care home (who have the specific facts) will be raising a formal safeguarding complaint.
Separately, the ability to gain any coordinated, informed feedback from the staff on what was happening with my mum was very difficult.
I know the NHS generally does a good job, but once you fall into the non-acute, non-appointment zone, I think you get lost from the system.
"Poor care of my elderly mother"
About: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Portsmouth PO6 3LY
Posted via nhs.uk
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