"A few tweaks would save time in the future"

My mother-in-law has taken two strokes, one while on ward, staff have been fantastic in responding to her and our needs.

I was very overwhelmed and trying to remain calm but nurses and junior doctor was friendly and kept us in the loop.

After being in the ward for 9 days I still had not seen the consultant for an update or to answer questions the junior doctor couldn't. I've had to ask few times to see them, what would have helped if within set time a family update appointment with the consultant to discuss our fears.

The same as the dietician, since mother-in-law first came into hospital I've asked to see one, I had a few minutes call asking what she liked and that a three-day diet sheet would be implemented but still not seen them. Again, if they were on ward two hours a week with ten minutes slots for family update would help relieve the nursing staff from the likes of me annoyingly asking all the time which must be hard.

Next would be nurse handover. I spoke to nurse regarding a medication to be ordered, I checked few days later but a different nurse knew nothing about it promised to order it. I asked as only 6 puffs left and still not been ordered and will need, so again having to chase this up and again taking time away from ward.

Mother-in-law calling with updates, getting very confused, so we end up calling the ward to fill in gaps or explain what is happening. Any updates knowing the patient is easily confused could be dealt with when family is there or written and left on chart for family to view. Again if this was done it would stop calls and taking nurses time away from others. 

I understand everyone is busy but a few tweaks would save time in the future.

If I knew I could take patient out for tea and cake I would have done but only asked recently for fear of causing issues, but being stuck in bed on the ward all day every day isn't good for mental health, so I've asked if I can take mother-in-law out of ward. Again if we had been given information we would have known we are allowed to do so.

Idea: in patient leaflet of can and can not do. You have notices up of food allowed on wall so why not poster of you can ask/ take for coffee.

Showering after three weeks in hospital mother-in-law has had 1 shower. I know she's asked daily but she prefers night showers so why can't she be offered then?  Bed baths fine but sometimes a shower needs to be had.

Mother-in-law is very needy and requires us to be on call and visit often but when not in she calls 7 or 8 times a day can they not have company or activities available if we can't get through it takes us 6 buses and three hours a day for a two hour visit which is hard with family needing us too.

Thank you for this opportunity to give feed back and I hope it helps.