Any tips for getting info out of the hospital re elderly relative?

[TheBlonde]

My great aunt was taken to hospital on Tuesday but I can't seem to find out what is going on

I have spoken to the staff nurse on the ward who say she is fine
No clue about when she is likely to be discharged yet
She said the multidisciplinary team were meeting and I should call back later

Any idea what this means?

Hi, I think this means they are assessing her , for all sorts of things, eg how capable she is of walking, getting herself washed, feeding herself etc.
Best thing to do is find out which doctor she is under, check when they will be doing their rounds and pop in and have a word.
Nurses really can't tell you much, especially as she has onbly been in since Tuesday. The staff change regularly with shift patterns, so until someone has been in a while, always best to try and talk to doctor.
They may also be assessing whether she is ok to be sent home.. especially if she lives alone.

Thanks hotsue

The trouble is I can't pop in, I'm miles away
All our local family is abroad til next week
It's so much easier to deal with this stuff face to face

She is already in a residential home
I will try and get hold of a doc later today

You could still check who doctor is, and when she is due to see him/her. Then get his/her secretary's number and call her. She should then be able to check for you or tell you best time to call and speak the doctor.You do have to be persistant with these people, they do tend to fob you off at times. Good Luck.

Hi TheBlonde. I used to be a ward sister and it is hard to get info over the phone. You need to explain to the senior nurse on the ward the situation so they can give you more info. If that does not work book a phone appt with the consultant and don't be fobbed off. The hospital may also have given info to the residential home.
The other thing to think about is that whilst your great aunt is a resident at the home they still have a duty to care. If there are no relatives around to visit or take in clean clothes etc. they should be doing at least that. Taking in clean nightwear etc for her. Are they not being given info from staff?

Thanks floops

The home are pretty useless
They were told my mum was away and to call me if any issues but they didn't - they called and spoke to my mum's housesitter
I only found out as I called and spoke to the housesitter about something else

I will call the home tomorrow and see what I can find out