How to visit patient in hospital when I'm working?

[reallifeboogie]

My mum is in hospital. She's going to be in for a few days at least. She's been on a few different wards and visiting was 10am to 10pm. She's now on another ward where she's going to be staying but visiting is evenings only. I work 1pm to 9pm! There is nobody else who can visit her, everyone else lives over 3 hours away.
My mum won't advocate for herself. If she needs a drink she won't ask she'll just wait until she's offered..she won't ask to be taking to the toilet either she'll just wait. So I need to be able to visit her!

I would explain to the ward staff and hopefully they will make an exception for her so you can visit a bit earlier in the day

Due to you being the only family member that can visit her, and family/loved one connection aids recovery along with her being to anxious to advocate for herself...Call the ward and explain you will be in earlier than official visiting times, and if there are any issues with that then they need to make a reasonable adjustment to accommodate mum in a person centered way.. If that fails, just go through the PALS dept and they will sort it but you likely won't need to go that far, they are usually pretty good once they realise you know your stuff.

Living and breathing hospitals at the moment with my own mum. I hope yours feels better and is tucked up in her own home soon. :) Xx

Describe yourself as a family carer - which you are if you are needed to ensure she drinks - and they should let you in.

This is worth a read:

https://www.thewi.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/286540/WI-Tell-Us-About-Your-Care.pdf

If she has dementia, have a look at John's Campaign which many NHS hospitals subscribe too

https://johnscampaign.org.uk/

even if she doesn't, it's worth googling and having a look at to find the language (like family carer) to explain why you need to be there.

"she needs one-on-one care" is another phrase that might help if she sleeps alot and will only drink if offered and when awake -because nursing staff ratios can't accomodate that.

Can you swop your shifts round or change your days off?

Take some time off work?

Ring the ward speak to the nurse in charge or the ward manager and explain your situation they should be able to sort something out for you

Speak to the nurse in charge and explain the situation. They will definitely compromise.

Speak to your employer?

Speak to your employer in the first instance. I would have thought carers leave would apply here.

The issue is if she's in a ward with others, visits after 9pm would be disruptive to others sleeping.
The doctors usually come round in the mornings so they don't want visitors then either.
But I think if you speak to the nurse in charge of the ward they might be able to work something out. You should also see if you can get some compassionate leave from work.

It's a hospital, not a prison. Visit your mum and hold your ground if asked. She needs you and they'll get over themselves.