A family member was admitted to the ward following a suspected heart attack. I am one of the next of kin but live in a different country and was unable to immediately come home.
I called the ward to check on my family member and was met with a nurse who I found really rude and condescending. They refused to tell me anything, wouldn’t even confirm my family member was there (I obviously knew they were). I tried to argue this as I am a next of kin, and was told if I was that concerned I should contact a member of family who is able to be there for updates and they would not tell me anything as I could be anyone. I asked if it was possible they looked up the next of kin details and called me back (for reference this was at 1 am, so calling other family members was not feasible, and I am medically trained so wanted to know specific medical details and was told no).
As I said, I am medically trained and I found the attitude and treatment of this member of staff absolutely hideous. I cannot believe that they feel that it is an acceptable way to treat a patient's family who are clearly concerned. I did not sleep at all that night through worry.
I then found out that that night the bedside was left down which caused my confused family member to have a fall and bruise their face and subsequent staff continued to forget to place the bed sides back up even after this incident.
I know we are all tired and overworked but the lack of care and compassion is really sad and concerning to see.
"The lack of care and compassion is really sad and concerning to see"
About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Cardiology / Coronary Care Unit Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Cardiology / Coronary Care Unit AB25 2ZN
Posted by FamilyMember97 (as ),
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