"We had to bring our own wipes to clean surfaces"

My mum was admitted and we waited for over 4 hours in family for the bed (in her own room). On arrival to that room, we found a sock and hospital gown from last person in the bedside locker. The bathroom bin had not been emptied and had used incontinence pads in it. Previous patients toiletries including hair brush around the sink. Used water jug (and no cup) - not replaced. Wrong date on board.

Mum was in for 5 days. Bed not changed nor checked for soiling once. It is worth also noting that she has an ulcer on her leg which was never looked at nor considered. She had to ask for water. The first time it was a day and a half before it was refilled and it was then refilled from half empty jugs from other patients (from the cleaning trolley). We brought in bottles of water after witnessing that.

We also had to bring in our own wipes to clean surfaces daily. The bed/new patient checklist on the door was last completed 6 months previously. It was evident that none of the checks were completed at the time of mum’s admission. Not sure if the bed had even been changed.

Mum was scared to complain at the time in fear of her care. Every meal choice was wrong. On four occasions her coffee/tea requests were wrong indicating the patient was not listened to. Only one nurse that I saw washed their hands in the room the whole 5 days. 4 different consultants seen all with conflicting treatment plans, none of which were carried through. Discharged home with no advice or follow up. No cardiology or heart failure specialist referrals.

On day of discharge, mum had to wait in family room for over 5 hours with no one checking in, no water and only a sandwich at lunch. She’s in her mid 80’s and was admitted with excess fluid due to heart failure. Basic hygiene and care standards extremely poor. After one hand over, a nurse came in to ask if we knew where my mum’s notes were - which we didn’t know.

It is little wonder there are high levels of infection and mistakes are being made in the hospital.  Vulnerable patients are at risk. Hoping this will be investigated and standards improved.