"Poor elderly care and lack of respect and compassion"

An elderly patient was left to call out constantly, disturbing all other patients.

When the nurse finally went to see to the patient, she shouted at her. I was two bays away and heard the whole exchange.

I suggested to the nurse that this lady (if not already diagnosed) should have a psychiatric assessment for dementia. Her behaviour showed all the classic signs and symptoms - disinhibition, inappropriate calling out, agitation, etc. It seemed to me that the nurses on this ward were so fed up with dealing with this challenging patient, they failed to spot the blindingly obvious.

I felt that their behaviour was dismissive, disrespectful and uncompassionate.