"Care for the Carer"

Anything else?

I assisted a lady with learning disabilities and Autism through A&E we had been assisted by a paramedic and the Ambulance service earlier which had been fantastic . This service continued all the way through A&E where we eventually ended up in Middleton Ward. The lady in question was admitted to stay overnight. I chose to stay and support this lady who would have been difficult to manage due to her worries, concerns, personal care and inability to talk or communicate. She found it very hard to relax wondering up and down the corridors, she eventually got into bed at 330 am. she snoozed but didn't go to sleep properly. The nurses provided me with a more comfortable chair, foot stool and blanket to hopefully get some sleep. The staff were very friendly, efficient and very busy. There was one fault: Hospital policy says i was not allowed to have a drink from the drink trolley or any hospital food , i could pop to the shop!!. From a carers point of view i looked after this lady who needed full support,if i had not stayed a member of the hospital team would have had to be assigned to her, walking her up and down the corridors as she would not get into bed or sit on a chair, and support her personal care needs.They would have been unable to understand her as she finds it difficult to communicate. This lady had been put into an environment that she did not understand and it frightened her, a much needed staff member would have been taken away from the ward. A sandwich and drink for tea and toast and coffee for breakfast would have been much appreciated by myself and a thank you for supporting this lady helping out the ward staff. I would like the hospital management to re look at this, good will goes a long way.