"Transfer of Patient to Newark"

A relative was to be transferred to Newark hospital for a few days prior to being released with a care package in place.

upon contacting the ward to enquire about visiting times my 76yr old mother in law was met by abuse and unhelpfulness.

To be told that the patient should not be coming to them and as soon as he did he would be discharged as he would not be kept in just because he wasn't wanted at home is disgraceful.

This patient has many health care needs including vascular dementia, type 2 diabetes, incontinence, heart failure, spinal and knee conditions. After being cared for at home by my mother in law for the last 10 years she is now on her knees unable to cope any more, after months of no sleep, not being able to leave him alone, carrying out personal care alone for a man twice her size she has eventually relented to needing some help.

The senior nurse she spoke to had absolutely no idea of the history or condition of the patient, his notes etc had not yet been transferred, she had made a snap judgment and condemned my mother in law unjustly.

I am appalled at the way she was treated.

I arrived at her house a short time after the phone call to find her in floods of tears.

Unforgivable!