Is your loved one receiving the care they deserve?

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

I am thankful for the dedication of so many physicians, nurses, and all allied medical professionals in North Durham. Yet, I will admit, most individuals do not look forward to a hospital stay, but we are blessed to have Lakeridge Health located in the heart of Port Perry. The doctors, nurses, and surgeons have our best interest at heart and strive to help keep us healthy.

As many know, my hubby was rushed the ICU in the Ajax/Pickering Hospital, for variety of health complications. The care he received was superb. We are truly grateful for his Doctors, and so many outstanding Nurses, the OT, PT, (PTA) and the Social Worker among others.

Are there breakdowns in patient-centered care? Absolutely, and I know it's so important to have an advocate who will go to bat for you. I understand about overworked and stressed staff members, who are unhappy with their ability to provide the kind of care they know is best for their patients.

However, returning back to Lakeridge Port Perry Hospital, after spending seven days in the ICU, was an eye opener. I am usually very calm and reasonable person, so, I could not understand why my hubby had no personal care? When I worked in Long Term Care as a Personal Support Worker/Restorative Care Aide it was our responsibility to do all activities of daily living for patients/residents from washing, dressing, toileting, etc.

My hubby arrived Tuesday evening, at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, at supper, he told me he had not been washed that entire day! He had not received towels, basin, tooth brush or tooth paste. So, I asked his Nurse: did you wash today, did you have face cloth, a towel, did you have a toothbrush to perform your mouth care? Of course, she said yes. I said, why didn't my hubby?

He is still needing assistance, and is restricted, unless he has the assistance of staff for mobility reasons. Now, you might ask, why not ring for staff? He had rung for his Nurse a number of times, only to wait for up to two hours. I also understand, we don't always know, if the nurse has other emergencies, or the requirements others may need. However, my biggest concern is, is my hubby getting his needs met! One Nurse informed me they do not wash any patients? That was unbelievable to me.

These concerns need to be addressed and not swept under the rug.

I know it is every Nurse's responsibility, (and PSW's) to provide safe, competent care. I myself as a PSW in Long Term Care was a member of ONA - Ontario Nurses' Association, for professional working in hospital, and LTC facilities. Registered Nurses, and health care professionals are integral to providing safe, ethical and quality care to patients, residents, and clients across Ontario. Where the nurse is stretched, having patient ratio concerns, with a large patient load, it can be very challenging. I also know Patients who require physical care can be mentally demanding which can lead to fatigue, poor concentration and slow response time.

Did I help my hubby with care, absolutely. I emptied his catheter, and his ileostomy pouch, and got the required items he needed when I could. Tomorrow, I will give him a shower. Not all family members can be in the hospital, or provide the necessary care for their loved ones. One nurse asked me if I was spending the night? Unfortunately, I could not but I worried, the entire night, if he was being attended to properly? Was he on the floor, was he soiled, did he get his evening diabetic snack?

We all need to be aware, and address these concerns, to promote changes which will benefit both our caregivers and patients, to find a resolution.

Note: I am happy to report, my hubby says, he was washed by his night nurse and his morning day Nurse. Praise God.