If you have a relative in hospital and are concerned for their welfare and the standard of their treatment, we can recommend the following tips to ensure their safety:
- Make friends with other patients - ask them to look out for your relative.
- Make friends with staff - many will want to help you.
- Find out the name of your relatives assigned nurse, Sister Leach wrote and told me that each patient is assigned a specific nurse each shift.
- Write down any concerns with the care being given, ensuring you also record the date, time and the name of the person involved, if necessary take photographs, obtain evidence if you are not getting answers to any problems.
- Keep an eye on the medication being given – ask what your relative is being given and ensure that medication chart is correct and is returned after use.
- It has been common for a persons current medication to be stopped when they are admitted to Stafford hospital – if symptoms return, ensure that a doctor is aware of what former medication your relative was taking. It is common for the hospital not to have previous medication, take your relatives in with you just in cae it is needed.
- If possible try to be present when nurses/doctors see your relative, particularly if your relative is confused or is hard of hearing.
- When contacting the hospital by telephone, try to ask specific questions to avoid ambiguous answers such as ‘had a comfortable night’.
- Always ask for an explanation if you see "refused " on any of your relatives charts.
- Make an appointment with the consultant to ask any specific questions or be present at the ward rounds.
- Ensure that your relative can reach their buzzer, ask more able patients to keep an eye on them.
- Take in antiseptic wipes, handles and arms of chairs may need cleaning.
- Be suspicious if you think your relative is being discharged unwell, particularly if not tested for MRSA & CDiff and they are not fit.
- Ask for medication to be sorted out before discharge is arranged.
- You have a right to stay with your relative, if you have concerns.
If you intend to stay with your relative, take in your own blanket, pillows and use a flask for hot drinks
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