"Poor care of our Mother at James Paget Hospital"

Our Mother was admitted to the James Paget before Christmas 2009, transferred to a rehabilitation ward & expected to improve sufficiently to be able to return home soon.

She was supposed to be referred to the Pain team due to intense pain in her left shoulder. As a stroke survivor the shoulder should have been investigated, she had also lost the use of her other hand, suddenly. Having allowed her to become so distressed due to the poorly controlled pain, she was crying out, pleading for God to help her. It was inhumane and lacked any dignity.

Her physical and emotional state deteriorated at an alarming rate. She developed a large, deep pressure area requiring dressing. She was pushed through the corridors to the dressing area, often terrified & begging to die, to gain some relief. She remained in this state for many days. Our sister had to stay with her virtually 24 hours, to try to calm her.

On one occasion she was moved from her bed without the use of the hoist, which was supposed to have been used & was available. Due to her distress & deterioration I contacted the Adult Safeguarding team, as we were so concerned, who became involved.We were assured the situation would improve. Apologies were offered but she was so tormented by now.

One evening, some weeks later, she was declared nil by mouth due to a choking episode but nearly 24 hours passed without medication or fluids until we complained again. It was an horrendous situation.

Many of the staff were wonderful, they were so understaffed but not enough questions were asked as to why this lady was in this state. Thankfully she became more comfortable in her final days, but the pressure area had deteriorated greatly.

She passed away in February 2010. The distress she experienced was undignified, terrified of being moved due to being in pain. Inadequate care.