My parent was admitted to Rockingham Hospital from a residential care facility due to vomiting. They were unable to walk and bedridden. My parent does not have dementia. Investigations were unclear and ranged from end of life situation to severe constipation.
Water and food were withheld, even after I spoke to staff, including Dr, and asked for 1/3 glass of water to be provided to prevent distress. I acknowledged that I was aware of the risk of aspiration (the reason given for withholding) but considered the withholding to be a greater risk of causing anxiety and behaviour problems leading to non-compliance with any interventions.
No vomiting occurred whilst in hospital. I believe withholding water increased my parent's anxiety and they kept calling out for a drink. I was consulted on treatment options and did not want invasive procedures.
I gave permission for a nasogastric tube (NGT) to be attempted if the Dr thought it was needed but only if my parent was compliant. An NGT was attempted, was unsuccessful/painful and my parent needed to yell to get staff to stop. They were subsequently moved to a single room away from the nurse's station, the call bell was removed from reach and left on the wall, the bed control was removed from reach, no phone was in reach and water was continued to be withheld.
My parent's pad needed changing and the staff said they would come back later to change it. It took over 2 hours of waiting and asking again to get changed. I was given an apology and told they forgot. I still asked for water and emphasised that I will take full responsibility. Nurses needed to check with the Dr first. They did not return and after another 45 minutes, I found a glass and tap and provided 1/3 glass of water. I was apologised to and told there had been a miscommunication and nurses hadn't realised they could give water earlier in the day.
Liquid
Being listened to
Treatment
Waiting time
Calling for help
Responses
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