My father is in his 80s was admitted to the James Mackenzie ward in Basildon recently after suffering an acute heart problem. The staff there are brilliant. There is clearly good team cohesion and all the staff seem happy, caring and keen to help. My father has been in and out of hospital over the last 7 years and it's the best experience he has had on a ward.
My father spent roughly 7 weeks in hospital. He became very ill and was catheterized and bed bound for some of the duration. He has lost the ability to walk without physical assistance and is now incontinent.
He was discharged to his home after achieving a score of 2 on the Rockwood frailty scale, according to the discharge letter. Despite struggling to get up out of a chair or walk safely with a frame. Two days later he was found on the floor by the OT team. He is now unable to stand up from a seated position without assistance and therefore can't move between visits from the carers. He was left on the sofa from 8PM until 11:30AM the following day soaking in his own urine according to the carers record.
I thought that him being in hospital was stressful, but it's nothing compared with trying to help him now around my work and other life commitments. I fear he will end up back in hospital or dead if I can't get him into some kind of care setting soon. I can't believe the lack of open and honest discussion when it comes to discharge. All that hard work from the doctors and money spent on scans and surgery is a complete waste if the patient is then left to fend for themselves once deemed to be medically fit.
"Great treatment followed by an unsafe discharge"
About: Basildon Hospital / Cardiology Basildon Hospital Cardiology Basildon SS16 5NL
Posted by nightjar (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference
››
Responses
See more responses from Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust