Hospital - No Visits

[Barquentine]

My FiL went into hospital again two weeks ago. He is 85 and recovering from chemo for prostate cancer. He was doing ok but has got weaker. My wife took him in and they kept him overnight, then another night, and so on. He hasn't got his phone with him (and can't hear it even if he had). We have not seen or heard from him at all in 2 weeks. We are not allowed to visit. Does anyone else find this 'surprising' in what was once maybe, a free country? My wife has managed to speak to nurses on his ward after hanging on the phone for ages each time to get through. They tell us he has agreed to be moved into a 'rehabilitation' centre/home/hospital - to get more physio to build up his strength. However, his hearing and comprehension is not great at the best of times. Can they make decisions about him without our checking with him that he is genuinely content to do that?

[Sqad]

Its a hospital not a hotel with room service and main desk advice.
The management in a hospital is designed for the benefit of the patients, the hospitals and the community.
Sometimes they get it wrong.......

[davebro]

This seems harsh seeing that there are now relatively few COVID patients still in hospital. I would be kicking up a fuss & demanding to speak to someone with authority. The DofE had visitors!

[woofgang]

What would you like to happen to him?

[burlyshirley]

If this was my Dad I would be going mad. Yes, the decisions may be the right ones for him, but the family MUST be considered and kept in touch with what is going on, especially at his age when he might just be agreeing because he is confused. Also I agree with you about us once being a free county and not being allowed to visit him in hospital, time this 'rule' was dropped. I wonder sometimes just what the point of vaccines were when despite how much they are working and cases are dropping, we are STILL being controlled by stupid so call 'covid laws', and normal service is still a long, long way for being resumed !!!

'Sometimes' Sqad ?? Remembering the times my parents had to be hospitalised, I would say they get it wrong a lot !

[david small]

From personal experience, and the experience of both parents, three siblings, and numerous others. They get it wrong far too often. With terrible consequences. It’s sad, so any good people in the NHS, having to carry so much incompetence, and bloated management.

[david small]

Many not any....auto correct

[Apc2604]

My neighbour's husband has been in hospital for just under a month.they are both in their 80s. They speak daily, and he gives her updates but she is worried and gets mixed up. At no time have the medical staff contacted her and she won't contact them in case she upsets them. I am appalled that they are not keeping her up to date - I am trying to help her without being pushy, but she wont phone the hospital. She is so muddled at the moment that I am worried for her health. I think it is very important that close relatives are not kept in touch at a time when visiting is not allowed. This particular hospital is mainly used for rehab, but he is also being treated for infections after an op. I am appalled at the lack of communication.

[Apc2604]

I agree with you BurleyShirley. FAortunately, I can be a very pushy demanding person when no choose to be and I usually get results. I don't care if it makes me unpopular.

[Apc2604]

I am trying to type with adverts flashing over my replies hence all the mistakes.

[burlyshirley]

Thank you Apc. I hope Barquentine can sort this out.