"Severe Stroke"

Our parent recently had a sudden, very severe hemorrhagic stroke. This has been extremely traumatic for our family, and the situation has unfortunately been worsened by a series of, what I believe to be poor decisions and total lack of communication from Box Hill hospital about my parent's care.

For example, my parent was moved to a rehab centre only 5 days after the stroke, where they were not allowed any visitors despite being non-verbal and intermittently lucid. After 3 nights in hospital with no physical contact with their family or spouse, my parent's condition suddenly declined. We were notified in the morning that my parent was on their way back to Box Hill hospital in an ambulance as their condition had deteriorated.

I believe no one was updated on my parent's condition following this. I tried to call the hospital twice and was cut off, and could only get information about my parent's condition by physically going to the hospital around the afternoon that day.  I felt this was extremely distressing.

Since my parent's readmission to Box Hill, we have, in my opinion, consistently been given conflicting or no information from the hospital. We were initially told that my parent's outlook for recovery was remote and the recommendation was that they be kept comfortable with no active care. We were told that as my parent unable to swallow, there was a high risk of aspiration if they were fed or hydrated. For the past week, we have been saying our goodbyes and preparing for my parent's passing, overwhelmed with grief.

Recently, for reasons still unclear to our family, the decision was made to feed and hydrate my parent, despite a continuing risk of aspiration. My parent has also been moved to a different ward and arrangements are being made for them to start rehabilitation. I believe there has been no clear communication to our family about the basis for these decisions. 

The treatment of my parent and our family during an already harrowing period has been appalling and we would like to speak to someone urgently about this matter.