"My experience of he Royal Derby"

Anything else?

My elderly mother was admitted there on Saturday. Up to the point of admission the standard of care from the paramedic and ambulance staff had been 5 Star ++. This unfortunately ended when she had the misfortune of being admitted.

Here are the little things that you will witness:

Once admitted - My mum was moved around (understandable) and eventually ended up on a ward. When I came to visit her I was directed to the ward by the reception staff (good) and when I got to the ward I approached a member of staff and explained I was here to see Mrs X. The staggering response was - You will need to ask someone else, I don't know who she is. The correct response baring in mind she was indulging in idle chit-chat with another member of staff might have been - Leave it with my and does anyone know which bed Mrs X is in? I did this an managed to find mum all by myself.

I asked mum if she had anything to eat all day and she replied no (10.00am - 6.00pm). She had been moved around all day and someone had appeared to forget the fundamentals - ie give the patient some food and water for gods sake. Anyway she tucked into my bar of fruit and nut and seemed happy enough.

Mum was a bit fed up and bored, a lot of waiting around (understandable). She asked if I had a pen to do the crossword and I said unfortunately I did not. Don't worry I said, I am sure someone at the reception will let you have the use of one. I went to reception and asked the nurse if my mum could have the use of a pen and the simple reply was No! I thought it must be a health and safety issue but know, the nurse said she loses too many by giving them to patients so she has stopped. I think giving a frightened old lady a pen to keep her mid off things my be seen as an act of care and compassion. Too much to expect from a Nurse??

Next day mum was moved to another ward (understandable). Main reception were good and pointed me in the right direction. I was in fairness outside of visiting hours and I needed to catch a pre booked train get back to my home in London. I get to the ward and the door is locked. I see a buzzer and it has a notice that say, Buzz if door is locked. I buzz and look through the glass panel and the woman (i later find to be receptionist) does not even look up. After a second buzz and a genuine 4 minute wait she opens the door with a tut - What!!!

How are thing going I ask my mum, not good and she tells me the diagnosis is not good at all. She then tells me that she had witnessed domestic staff using used bed sheets as dusters - As a non medical person, even I know this is not good! She tells that the Consultant told her that some specialist people will be talking to her later today - They never came!!!!

Mum was nurse for 40 years in the NHS. She did not have a degree, she cleaned, cared and did what she could to help patients during their hours of need - How the world has changed.