We are writing regarding the treatment that our elderly parent received as a patient at Joondalup Health Campus over the Christmas period. Our parent became significantly dehydrated due to prolonged diarrhoea. They became weak and confused and were in need of medical help.
Summary of main concerns:
• Delayed transportation to the hospital via the Ambulance service and ramping congestion. 5-hour wait for the first ambulance - which did not transport them to the hospital I believe due to hospital congestion.
• Delayed treatment - from initial investigations to commencement of treatment.
• approximately 19-hour wait for treatment - from initial ambulance call to when intravenous fluids commenced – this being a significantly dehydrated, vulnerable elderly person.
• In my opinion, a lack of adequate nursing care - I believe basic needs were not met on a number of occasions:
o our parent was not able to communicate with staff – no call bell within reach.
o not able to reach, I believe nor given fluids.
o trapped with bed rails up and unable to summon help to go to the toilet.
o what felt like a significant delay in providing IV fluids ordered by the Medical Officers.
o we believe our parent was not given food - when able to eat.
o no shower assistance when weak from dehydration and I believe at high falls risk. Our parent had to have a tepid shower without soap and with no help.
This degree of what I felt was neglect is highly disturbing in my opinion. We feel that our parent was marginalised because of their age. Joondalup Hospital, I believe failed to provide a basic duty of care.
We hope that by sharing this incident, others may be prevented, for our parent or indeed any elderly vulnerable person not able to advocate for themselves.
We truly believe that the health care system has been let off the hook this time. My parent survived this experience but it may have turned out very differently if family members were not by their side advocating for them. Not a Christmas experience we want to repeat!
"Delays, neglect and poor nursing care"
About: Joondalup Health Campus / Emergency Department Joondalup Health Campus Emergency Department Joondalup 6027 Joondalup Health Campus / Rehabilitation and Aged Care Public Ward Joondalup Health Campus Rehabilitation and Aged Care Public Ward Joondalup 6027
Posted by Concerned77 (as ),
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