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AIBU?

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Original poster

Do nursing staff not wash patients anymore or change sheets?

409 replies

keepswimming38 · 03/04/2026 06:09

My daughter has been admitted to hospital with meningitis. She’s on an infectious diseases ward. I’ve been by her side most of the day for 3 days and despite her not being able to move as she is so weak, not one nurse has asked her if she wants to freshen up, have a wash, change her sheets. I’ve done it for her. Is this usual? The nurses are sat next to their little computer trolleys, or chatting at nurses station, so not all run off their feet I would say.

OP posts:
Original poster
keepswimming38 · 03/04/2026 06:28

She’s 20

OP posts:
Wishiwasatailor · 03/04/2026 06:28

@keepswimming38 how old is your daughter?

Nickyknackered · 03/04/2026 06:28

My dad was in ITU for 4 weeks last year. He was washed every day, teeth cleaned, hair combed, and when the ventilator and tubes were removed from his face, given a shave too! He was completely bed bound though, i just assumed this was normal as mum and I wouldn't have been able to do it. He would have got very sore and probably more ill if he wasn't physically washed.

Original poster
keepswimming38 · 03/04/2026 06:25

Because it’s something nurses and hca have always traditionally done and to me it looks like this important aspect of nursing care has declined. It was always a key time to look for skin integrity and signs of sores or dvt.

OP posts:
bitterexwife · 03/04/2026 06:23

Why would you expect them to wash her when you’re there? I truly don’t get it?
ask for bedsheets for gods sake.

bitterexwife · 03/04/2026 06:21

How old is she? If a young children’s ward it’s likely there will be a bath somewhere on the ward. You’ll be expected to help her as you’re there, so just ask to use the bathroom for her, ask for towels etc. no shower you’ve seen? Have you asked for a bowl and flannels?
come on!

PinkPonyAnonymous · 03/04/2026 06:20

My only time in hospital was my post natal experience. I had bloody sheets and wasn’t offered a change until about 3 hours before I left. The entire staff seemed really busy.

greengagejamandcrumpets · 03/04/2026 06:13

From what I have seen nursing went to pot when they made it a degree course. Nurses don't want to 'nurse' anymore. they want to be managers.

However, I'm sure they have HCAs (Health Care Assistants) that do those sort of tasks.

If you are not happy you could always contact PALs for advice.

www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/what-is-pals-patient-advice-and-liaison-service/

Truetoself · 03/04/2026 06:11

do they assume you will help with her personal care? The HCA should change the sheets though