"Husband admitted with gallstones"

My husband who has dementia was admitted to ward 4 with severe pain from gallstones.

He had been transferred from the Victoria A&E wherer he had a line put in and was given and written up for morphine. While in ward 4 he would get pain killers.

While in visiting he requested pain relief and I said to the nurse that he would need morphine as this was the only thing that would ease the pain. He was given tramadol. I questioned the reason for giving him that and was told that they have to start at a low level and work up until they find the one that works. Needless to say 30 mins later I had to go and ask again for morphine which was given.

He had been in for a week and had not had a shower. I assumed that he had been having them as he was changing his pyjamas, but he told my daughter that he couldn't get the support stockings off to get a shower. I spoke to a nurse who agreed that they were difficult and he should ask if he needs help. A person with dementia doesn't always know when to ask for help.

I am disappointed at the level of care he is receiving.