Getting someone into a hospice - any advice gratefully received

[OrlaKiely]

My Granny is dying. She is on a noisy ward and people are shouting/coming in and out all the time. She has pneumonia and they have stopped the antibiotics as it is just getting worse.

She has possibly a few more days left and wants to die in peace, but they are fobbing off my mum saying she'd need an assessment and then to go onto a waiting list.

I've already spoken to the hospice and they said the hospital can do an urgent referral, fax over a form tonight and then she'll be discussed at the meeting tomorrow morning.

I don't know how we can access this pathway, quickly, if the nurses mum spoke to are saying otherwise - has anyone any advice please?

Your mum needs to ask to speak to the ward sister and ask that your granny be referred urgently to the hospice and then keep on at them to make sure its been done - and follow up with the hospice to check the forms arrived

We found one of the consultants on the ward who was a palliative specialist really speeded things up for us, but that still took a few days, which you might not have. Is there any chance of a side room? Failing that is there another ward that still might be able to provide appropriate care? You need someone more senior than a nurse on your side I think. (Only speaking from personal, not professional experience!)

Sorry you're having to go through this, it must be very distressing for you all.

for you and your granny.

Thankyou ever so much. I will tell Mum that's what she needs to do. the hospice told me that they need to find a palliative specialist nurse but we don't know where they are iyswim, I've told mum to keep trying.

The other bays are all noisy as well but I think mum said they are looking at availability for a side room.

Mum and dad are both there, and will do their best I know - me and the kids went in earlier - we're not sure how long she has, it may be tonight iyswim.

Thanks again x