"Aftercare for older and vulnerable patients"

My mother - who is in her 80s -  arrived for an elective hip replacement. Whilst there was no bed available at first, the nursing staff located a bed on Ward 17. The consultant, anaesthetist and ward staff could not have been more helpful or caring during her stay in hospital.

Whilst informed of the risks of surgery, my mother got through the operation. She remained in hospital for 3 nights before being discharged. The Senior Charge Nurse could not have done more for us. They were so helpful and friendly, as were their staff.

Mum had not had elective surgery before and we had no idea of how little aftercare there might be, as compared to a trauma/accident patient. We had to make our own way to hospital. She was quickly discharged by the physios and OT. She was then discharged with strong pain relief. Yet mum had lost confidence on her feet so we organised a convalescence stay in a local nursing home. Fortunately patient transport was organised for mum on discharge, but this was not routine practice.

Mum's rehabilitation is now very much in her hands and I fear that if she does not follow the guidelines, she will return to hospital having had another accident. I would recommend that the NHS consider and treat older and more vulnerable elective patients differently....with greater aftercare.