Whaseema P

Concerns Regarding Patient Care, Communication, and Missing Property

Our family is extremely disappointed with the experience we have had at this hospital while my grandfather has been admitted following debridement surgery for necrotizing fasciitis. While we understand that public hospitals are busy and staff are under pressure, the level of care, communication, and basic accountability has been deeply concerning. During visiting hours on Wednesday between 3 and 4 pm, my grandfather’s mobile phone was last seen on his bedside cupboard. By later that evening it was gone, and despite asking multiple staff members across shifts, no one has been able to account for it or confirm when anyone entered the room. There is also very limited monitoring of access to the ward, which leaves vulnerable patients and their belongings unprotected. What has been equally upsetting is the attitude we have encountered when trying to raise concerns. Simple, respectful requests were met with dismissive and irritated responses, including being told that our family is keeping staff very busy. We are fully aware of the workload in a hospital setting and are not demanding special treatment, but basic respect and communication should still be expected. There are also ongoing concerns about his day to day care, including his urinary catheter bag being left to overfill and leak, leaving him uncomfortable, as well as repeated comments that he is difficult to care for when he is often confused post surgery. Overall, we are left feeling frustrated and unheard, and we sincerely hope that attention is given to both patient dignity and accountability moving forward.