"Concerned by the hands off approach by nursing..."

What I liked

The doctor attending the casualty unit rang my sister to tell her that our father was was still there but o.k

What could be improved

Our very elderly father was admiitted to hospiltal on the advice of his G.P . He has lung cancer and is presently sufferring from the side effects if intense radiotherapy treatment. He had not been able to eat or intake enough fluid over a few weeks. The purpose of him being admitted was to be rehydrated and raise his potassium levels.

Unbeknown to us our father was dropped off at casualty by the ambulance where he waited for six and a half hours, without being offered any liquids, before a bed was available for him towards midnight. No member of staff attended to his well being or physical needs i.e offering him water etc (he is so weak he is unable to walk far)..

This could have been improved by :1)a member of staff being allocated to him to ensure he was in no discomfort. 2)He should have been offered liquids 3) He could have been assessed to see if there was an alternative to waiting alone for over 6 hours, eg offered alternative/appropriate treatment and allowed to go home sooner.. He was sent home the following day.

Anything else?

As close family members we are deeply concerened that our vulnerable and very ill father was left alone for six and a half hours without being attended to by nursing staff. The point of him being admitted was to aid hydration levels. He sat without appropriate liquid intake for over six hours.We wrongly thought he may be admitted to the short stay or medical assessment unit on arrival.

A doctor did ring my sister upon my fathers request to keep her in the picture. However at about 9.00pm we were told a be would be available shortly. It took another two and a half hours!