"Patient dignity was lacking"

I felt the need to add comment here on what can only be described as a shocking lack of care for my mother at Peterhead Community Hospital.My mother was here for under 3 weeks before being transferred to Aberdeen suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition. Surely basic nursing care can detect dehydration of that level? Her mouth was so painful she could not eat or drink and latterly was too weak to lift a cup. We asked someone to look at her mouth on day one- over a week later she was given a mouth wash and a tube of bonjella - not good enough.

One particular nurse at the desk was so rude that on both occasions I spoke to her, she did not even lift her head, look at or acknowledge me. She was rude and unhelpful and I will happily name her if necessary. When families are struggling - a kind word goes a long way.

Our family repeatedly raised our concerns but it seemed to be to deaf ears until it finally too late - she was transferred back to Aberdeen and immediately put on a drip to rehydrate but died a day later.

My mother wasted away in front of us - yet the week before there was word of sending her home!  The GP concerned seemed to think we should have spoken to him sooner but I would expect any professional nurse to pass on family concerns when they are raised.

Actually seeing a doctor in this hospital was nigh on impossible. To be fair I should add that there were a couple of very nice nurses that we spoke to. Compared to the care given in Aberdeen - this was night and day. I'm sure patient dignity is taught somewhere in nursing. It was sadly lacking in my mother's case. Totally disgusted.