My parent is dying from cancer and was recently admitted to St George Public Hospital. On the second day of their stay, they developed a fever and was transferred from level 6 to the acute care wards in level 7. Unfortunately for them and their family, we were told that only 1 designated person (and only 1 person) is allowed to visit during their stay on this level.
I asked the staff if it was possible to allow 1 person at a time to visit but were told that the hospital policy was strictly only 1 person throughout their stay. They explained that this measure was put in place to help protect the vulnerable patients in level 7 from COVID-19.
We chose my other elderly parent to be the designated person. Their English is poor, their right hand is nerve-damaged and the left hand is riddled with rheumatoid arthritis. This means that my dying parent is denied the opportunity to see their children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters.
I called to see how my parent was going but was told that, due to patient confidentiality, they could only say that they were ok. I was told that once a patient's health degenerates further and requires palliative care, the rules are slightly relaxed which I believe would allow more family members to visit.
My parent is rapidly declining which means I'll potentially get to see them when their condition has deteriorated to such a degree I won't be able to exchange any comforting words with them. Such unyielding, inhumane protocols, in my opinion, totally disregard the emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being of both patients as well as their loved ones.
The risk of contracting COVID-19 today is, in my opinion, negligible. I feel the emotional and psychological well-being of all patients and their loved ones on level 7, as a result, are drastically compromised. I feel betrayed and violated by our medical administrative system. In my opinion, this is all wrong!
"The wellbeing of patients and their loved ones"
About: St George Hospital / 7A Oncology St George Hospital 7A Oncology Kogarah 2217
Posted by romeosn35 (as ),
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