"Ward 3D from relatives perspective."

My mother was admitted to this ward post ERCP.Her daughter & husband were warned of her poor prognosis, the probability of a HAI due to her frail condition at the age of 68. The above were in obvious denial, I was alarmed at her apparent deterioration, on hearing on the contrary.As an RN who formerly worked at the old Whiston, I was alarmed at the lack of communication:Her only son had to wait and ask a senior member of staff if his parent was for active or palliative care.I was told she was still being treated actively but was uninformed she had developed pneumonia.it was upsetting to press the staff to affirm my suspicion that my mother was likely to die.She did the next day.I will try to remain objective.The care from the HCA's was excellent, trying to find unidentifiable Team Nurses & obtain their help, especially when mum had air-hunger was a less +ve matter.On reflection, as practitioners profess to practice, I cannot stress how important it is as a Nurse to identify yourself & ask the level of the familys understanding of what is happening & how much they wish to be informed.Death of a family member is inevitable, but communication with their next of kin is vital, to prepare & support their loved ones passing OR to nurture/encourage their recovery.I was ambivalent to say the least, but I thank the ward staff for their hard work & care of my late mum nonetheless. Thankyou.