"Care of my uncle with prostate cancer"

My uncle, recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, had surgery pretty much straight away to remove the prostate and lymph nodes. Has a 6-8 week wait until he can have further test as the hormone produced by the prostate may still be in his system.

He was discharged without being seen by the continence nurse or prostate specialist. No information on catheter care was provided. Aunt spoke to the ward staff and was informed the district nurses would visit and follow up.

District nurse did visit, 4 days after discharge, following my aunt ringing them. He still has not been seen by the incontinence team. My aunt rang to chase this up, to be told they had not received a referral and to complete a self referral form and send back as this would be quicker!

Ran out of catheter bags, DN would not provide, told to go to GP, GP sent back to DN who again said go back to the GP for a prescription. Prescription in hand, 6 chemists later with the same result of "it takes two days for them to arrive" my aunt went back to the DN and after a heated discussion and tears two catheter bags were "found" and handed over with a cheery "oh you're lucky we have these two in the store cupboard".

I find his care appalling, having been diagnosed with cancer for the second time in 5 years, I don't think luck on catheter bags is what my aunt needed to hear when she was close to breaking down.

I have worked in healthcare within the NHS for 10 years and try my hardest to sing a positive tune but error after error has been made and this has to be recognised as a failing by ALL involved in his after care.

We are contacting the Macmillan nurses on Monday and hope to receive some support and guidance.