|
|
Post by Zaf on Aug 30, 2013 15:31:10 GMT 1
Thank you Glen, now we have started making waves at last something is being done but it seems very wrong that relatives have to make a fuss to get things moving, there should be some mechanism in place to stop someone being virtually abandoned for a week in one of those little rooms. I find it particularly frustrating that we have both told hospial staff on several occasions about my mum's fragile mental health but no notice was taken until she became suicidal, I appreciate how understaffed hospitals seem to be but a few kind words now and again dont take a lot of time and might have made a lot of difference. Thanks shaz  I had a call from a very nice chap from the mental healt team this morning, he had seen my mum earlier and was very helpful. Both he and the OT think my mum isnt ready to come home yet and he explained the reasons why which I appreciated and while she is getting some human interaction daily I think it is definitely best for her to stay and get rehab even though she desperately wants to come home, hopefully a bed will become availabe locally soon as I know that will help mum feel she is one step nearer to getting home. Z xxx |
|
|
|
Post by glen on Aug 30, 2013 17:39:45 GMT 1
You are not wrong zaf. Sadly many NHS staff don't understand depression and the whole system seems unfit for looking after depressed patients. You shouldn't have to kick and scream but I'm not surprised you've had to. I see many colleagues being short with people because they are rushed and it's not right. I often try to talk to patients and relatives about how they feel because it's an important part of recovery. Can you maybe speak to the unit manager and discuss your worries with them?
|
|
|
|
Post by Zaf on Aug 30, 2013 18:42:24 GMT 1
A doctor and a nurse both came into my mum's room while my sister was visiting this afternoon and asked them both how things were going now so I think the message has at last got through that its necessary to do a little more than pop in to take her blood pressure etc every 4 hours and give her meals. I think what is really sad though is that if we werent chasing up doctors, nurses and OTs vigerously little or nothing would have been done and there must be lots of elderly people without family that can fight to get them the treatment they deserve.
|
|
|
|
Post by glen on Aug 30, 2013 21:47:42 GMT 1
Also sadly true. There are many elderly patients who have nobody and come from a generation that didn't complain. Its why I stay in my job zaf. I care about things like that and if I can bring even a little more help to these people's lives then it's worthwhile. It's tough fighting the system every day but there are nurses out there who are going the extra mile for their patients to make their time in hospital that little bit brighter. I often get comments from colleagues asking why I don't sit down when it's quiet but I'd rather be popping in to the rooms and talking to the patients to make sure they feel looked after.
Write some of these things down zaf if you can. Put them into a letter when your mum leaves the ward. It need not be negative just constructive criticism. They need to know where they are failing and if they are half decent nurses they will take it on board and improve for future patients.
Take care zaf. As always I'm here if I can help.
|
|
|
|
Post by Zaf on Aug 30, 2013 22:25:16 GMT 1
You are one of the good guys Glen and I do appreciate that so many areas of the NHS are desperately understaffed but as you say making an effort to give a kind word here and there doesnt take a massive effort.
Your support is incredibly helpful, thank you.
Z xxx
|
|
|
|
Post by glen on Aug 31, 2013 9:16:54 GMT 1
You are welcome. Just happy to help if I can.
|
|
|
|
Post by Zaf on Sept 1, 2013 20:43:58 GMT 1
Feeling very tired and a little worn today
|
|
|
|
Post by shazzy on Sept 2, 2013 12:40:26 GMT 1
Big caring ((((( hugs ))))) for you Zaf, I am always here for you.
S x x
|
|
|
|
Post by glen on Sept 2, 2013 18:33:26 GMT 1
I wont hug you at the moment as I still wiff a bit from repairing my cesspit pump  Seriously though Zaf, take it easy if you can. Im here if I can advise or help. |
|
|
|
Post by Zaf on Sept 2, 2013 20:32:29 GMT 1
In that case I think I'll pass on that hug Glen Good news and bad - discovered that mum isnt getting her antidepressants at the local hospital, sister going to phone in the morning to get that sorted, on the plus side she looks a lot better physically and the OT phoned this afternoon to arrange a home visit so we are very much hoping that means we are another step nearer to getting mum back home where she wants to be |
|
BC
Adult Group
Posts: 267 
|
Post by BC on Sept 2, 2013 20:40:49 GMT 1
I'm glad to hear about the progress Zaf xxxxx
|
|
|
|
Post by glen on Sept 2, 2013 21:34:10 GMT 1
Sounds positive. I know quite a bit about these stages of care so ask if you need any advice zaf. I hope all goes well.
|
|
|
|
Post by shazzy on Sept 2, 2013 22:35:37 GMT 1
Its good to hear your mum is improving, not good that she is not been given her anti depressants. I just hope your sister can get this sorted.
Luv S x x
|
|
|
|
Post by glen on Sept 3, 2013 9:17:19 GMT 1
They may get it sorted quicker if you can take some meds in with you to the hospital. Wards only tend to stock standard medications so its unlikely they will have the right anti-depressants, meaning they will need to order them from pharmacy. If its a small hospital this may take time. If you do take them in, make sure they are in the box with the label on it (how many to take + your mums name etc). This should mean that they can simply get the doctor to write them onto her drug chart which should happen quickly.
Have they sorted a referral for her to the mental health services? This could be a good time to push this again if they haven't. I realise that all this pushing and fighting is draining and you should not have to, but the NHS doesn't seem well geared for mental health issues so you may have to insist.
If I can help any further just let me know.
|
|
|
|
Post by Zaf on Sept 3, 2013 15:54:39 GMT 1
Thanks all xx
I spoke to the surgery again today about the anti depressants, they said they would my mum's GP to phone me tomorrow. It is getting draining Glen, someone from a mental health team at the Norwich hospital prescribed the medication but they dont seem to know about it at the local hospital but apparently its on my mum's notes at the surgery and I am concerned about her mental health as much as the other challenges she will face when she comes home.
|
|
poor you, what's up with your arm. You are really going through a tough time. ((((( hugs ))))) x