"Where was the care for my father?"

My father was re-admitted onto ward A2 having had hip replacement few weeks ago. He was re-admitted because of a chest infection and various other things. My father suffers from dementia and is not able to communicate very well so it was vital that we recieved as much info as possible during our visit times from the staff on the ward.

What a shock we had. There was never anyone around at these times and if we were lucky enough to find someone they simply did not want to know. On one occasion i was told that "its not my department". For goodness sake where is anyone when you need some help. I know that i am not an isolated case as everyone else was concerned but we need to get this problem addessed.

My father a few days ago had spilt his water jug all over his bed, we arrived at visiting time to discover this. He was unable to tell anyone because of his lack of communication but when i asked for his bed to be changed the staff said they already were aware of this. I'm sorry, but someone laid in a wet-through bed with a chest infection not able to walk or help himself should have been looked at sooner, how long he had been there before we arrived i dont know.

When help finaly arrived it was one person and rather than wait for another member of staff and to cause less distress to my father i helped her change him and the bed. Having worked in care myself i am disgusted that relatives are having to do this. It's worrying enough having someone in hospital without having to worry about the care they recieve. The member of staff i helped that day was clearly a caring person but i could see she had her work cut short through lack of staff. Why doesn't the hospital do something about it before it gets too late?

I could go on and on but the point of the matter is my father has worked all his life paid all his taxes and for him to lie there on that ward not even knowing if he will be getting any food or drink at meal times because it just depends how many staff are on, then i'm sorry but something needs to be done.