I'll start by stating that I am medical and I love the NHS. I also have an appreciation for how stretched everyone is and I reall try not to pick fault but this episode left me feeling a bit flat...
DGM has dementia and has been in hospital for nearly 4 weeks. She has been moved to the rehab ward in preparation for home. They have a visitors all hours policy and a big sign stating children are welcome.
I trailed in with my DTs (19 mo). Until now I've kept them away as I completely understand that the last thing people who are ill need are my boisterous babies giggling and running around.
Due to the ward policy and the rehabilitative nature of the ward I decided to go for it.
The DTs were fab and the ladies in the ward were showering then with praise and sweets. It was all quite jolly and DGM who is a little confused appeared to be delighted and proud.
After about 45 minutes I decided to call it a day. At that point a nurse appeared and told me "you need to keep the noise down as there is a lady passing away next door and it's not fair on the family ".
I was mortified and quickly packed the babies up to the protestations of the other ladies on the ward. I felt like a right plum to be honest.
My DM visited afterwards and asked the nurse why the ward had such a policy on visitors and rehab if they were also providing end of life care.
The nurse stated that no one was passing away but that she likes a quiet ward.
I'm annoyed because:
She didn't introduce herself-I've no idea if she's the HCA/ ward sister/ my DGM's named nurse etc
She lied
She could have been nicer about it
The other patients were gutted and told my DM as much
It just felt mean spirited
The only contact we had with the nurse was a negative one
The whole thing has pissed me off more than I'd expect. DM has been sharp elbowed due to basic failings in DGM's care and I wonder if we're all being punished?