Man, 88, ‘wants to die at home’ but is being left to rot in hospital says son
Army veteran stuck on ward as care at home can’t be arranged
AN Army veteran with terminal cancer who wants to die at home has been stuck in hospital for three weeks because care cannot be arranged for his discharge.
The 88-year-old, who does not want to be named, was diagnosed with colon cancer last year.
His son, who is trying to help arrange care at home, said: “I dread the call Dad has died in hospital.
“Dad doesn’t want to end his life being left to rot on a post-surgical ward. His wish is to die at home in comfortable surroundings.”
Delays in making arrangements for carers to visit the man when he returns home means he cannot be discharged – despite being deemed medically fit.
His son said: “After the operation and care at the General, Dad was transferred to Hinckley District Hospital.
“Once he was deemed medically fit for discharge he returned home but the stoma care offered was insufficient. A visit once a fortnight didn’t offer the correct care.
“My Dad tried to change his bag in an effective and hygienic manner but struggled. He was left feeling helpless, embarrassed and distressed.”
Soon after being discharged the man, who worked for the NHS for 40 years including at Glenfield, was read- mitted to Leicester General Hospital.
Social services became involved after Christmas and informed his son they were looking for a care home place.
His son said: “That was something Dad didn’t want. I told them he simply wanted to go home but would need a daily visit for help with his bag.
“After much toing and froing we took delivery of a hospital bed at Dad’s house at the start of January. It felt like things were finally starting to happen.”
Discussions continued between the son, ward staff and social services but still no care could be arranged for the return to his home in Newbold Verdon.
A private care company had agreed to visit the man in hospital and assess his needs but pulled out. More than 15 companies have now declined to provide the complex care he needs.
His son said: “We are left with an impasse. I would say at the moment that Dad is deemed to be commercially unattractive to care companies in terms of care versus profit.
“This is by no means a complaint about individuals but a complaint about the system as a whole.
“I’m disgusted with the lack of coordination between the hospital team, stoma care and social services.
“My Dad who is medically fit to be at home has been blocking a bed for three weeks. The trouble is that the NHS has no provision for stoma care in the community any more.”
Gill Staton, head of nursing patient flow and discharge for Leicester’s hospitals, said: “We are sincerely sorry the discharge process for the man has not been straightforward and understand how frustrating this can be.
“We work closely with our partners to ensure our patients are safely discharged to a suitable care setting.
“If patients ask to be discharged home, we will do what we can.
“However, if a patient has complex medical needs, it is not always possible.”
A county council spokesman said: “We’re sorry to hear about the problems and delays the patient has faced.
“We have spoken to the family, apologised for any confusion and will respond to the concerns.”