"Breakdown in protocol"

Admittedly, this complaint is a breakdown in protocol across three facilities, however, I feel the most damage was made at Yarram Hospital. My Grandparent, an elderly, largely independent, long term Yarram resident, experienced a turn at a medical centre where they turned blue and their blood pressure dropped very low.

Despite my Grandparent being elderly with a history of heart disease etc., no ambulance was called and my Grandparent was sent home with professionals saying they were just dehydrated. My parent, an RN in aged care, immediately drove to Yarram to care for my Grandparent for the night.

The following day my parent took my Grandparent to Yarram Hospital as they could see left-sided deficits and my Grandparent was suffering from extreme fatigue.

My Grandparent remained at Yarram Hospital until recently, when my parent (RN) and myself (Speech Pathologist) were able to visit. They continued to deteriorate, became more tired, and did not eat much. When my parent and I visited, we immediately noticed left-sided deficits (arm weakness), left-sided neglect, and the extreme tiredness (unable to hold a conversation). This was a person who was completely independent several days before.

My parent and I had to wait 5-6 hours before a doctor could see us to even relay blood test results. It was only when my parent and I described the signs we were seeing, which indicated a stroke, that the doctor assessed my Grandparent's strength on each side, which then they were transferred to another hospital.

My Grandparent spent 3 days at Yarram Hospital, getting progressively weaker, with a stroke going undetected by professionals. I do admit, once we relayed our concerns to the nurse and doctor on duty, I was impressed with how quickly they acted, however, I feel a breakdown in protocol has occurred at some stage. I believe my Grandparent should not have gone 3-4 days without a professional realising they had experienced a stroke.

My Grandparent became weaker as they were not able to eat or drink without falling asleep, and it was only once my parent and I diagnosed them that they were sent off for a brain scan, which confirmed my Grandparent had experienced a stroke which was sub-acute, meaning they likely had the stroke a few days before diagnosis.

I question what would have happened if my parent and I had not pushed for my Grandparent to be properly assessed. I wonder if they would have just died because they were unable to receive adequate oral intake. My family all feel the same. We are so disappointed in the three facilities that have let my Grandparent down.

We just don't want this happening to more elderly patients. Just because they are old doesn't mean they don't have a right to healthcare. My Grandparent was running about with a cane a few days earlier in their rose bushes. But it was as though everyone assumed their typical state was usually depressed and left them to sit in a hospital room until they progressively worsened.