would you class this as abuse?

Question

I work in a geriatric ward and the ward sister has started to insist that the night staff get some patients up and washed and dressed before the day staff start at 7am. In order to do this these patients would have to be woken at around 5.30am. His excuse is that the day staff don't have the time for every patient due to staff shortages etc. Most of these patients are incapable of making a choice. Do you think this is abuse and what can be done?

Answer 1

You could raise this as an issue and query where this directive has come from. Perhaps explain your concerns and ask those patients who are able to express a view what they think.Try not to incriminate yourself as stirring up trouble (ask 'how are you feeling about your earlier mornings?' rather than 'Do you mind being woken up this early in the morning?')

Is the ward sister been directed to do this by their manager and if not, is the manager aware? You could also ask how they plan to address the issue of shortages and when this will be resolved (Assuming that the protocol will revert to normal when normal staffing levels return).

Whether it is abuse depends on whether it is against someone's wishes, is humiliating or degrading to people. Without someone complaining, it is hard to define.

On a personal level, I would be concerned about the patients' human rights and certainly undignifying for those who aren't able to speak for themselves. That is why it is important that people with a conscience question such decisions.

You might want to talk to Help the Aged and get their views.

Good luck

Answer 2

This makes me SO angry!
Yes I think this does class as abuse - or at very least infringing the personal rights of the patients. The staff have the whole morning to get people up and dressed, rather than hauling them out of bed just to sit and doze in a chair for the rest of the (very long) day.
Unless they are wet/soiled, or have woken themselves they should be allowed to sleep until a more civilised hour, like any other member of the human race.
The attitude of your ward sister is sadly outdated - he should be organising the work load better, or campaigning for more staff, not taking the easy road out by badly treating people who cannot defend themselves.
Try speaking to more senior nurses, or contact organisations such as the RCN.
Rant over ---- and lots of good luck with handling this.

Answer 3

They need whoever is making their health care decisions to speak up as their advocates. I'd be pretty ticked off if it were my folks with no choice. Is washing at night an option? Might save enough time to let day staff do the rest after the patients awaken at a civilized hour.

Answer 4

Its difficult. Maybe management have no choice due to the staffing situation. One thing's for sure though, it's not right and it's the kind of thing the majority of people wouldn't stand for. I feel sorry for every one, patients and staff alike, as their most likely victims of a system that doesn't provide enough resources.

If you feel that strongly speak to your local press who would most likely love to expose something like that. Something will definitely get done then. it can be an intimidating thing to stand up for what you believe is right but people our behind you! good luck!

Answer 5

That seems a bit early to me-maybe suggest advertising for extra staff or moving the shifts around a bit like start later finnish later so theres a little cross over and more staff on for about 30 min or so?

Good luck!!

Answer 6

I think its a bit dodgy especially if the patients are expected to stay awake all day and have tea and supper etc at the normal times. I bet the sister wouldnt want treating that way. There must be someone more superior to the ward sister who you could have a word with.

Answer 7

It sounds like abuse to me; there should be a minimum amount of staff to patients. How many hours sleep do the patients get i.e. do they go to bed early? They need a minimum amount of hours sleep. What time do the night staff clock-out?

Answer 8

Ask yourself would the patients be better off if left unwashed, probably all day, by an over worked day staff or cared for early in the day by people who obviously have time to do it. Or is it the night staff who are frightened of losing valuable resting time?

Answer 9

Everyone answering this question must remember the chances are they will be old some day and could possibly end up in this situation. I am retired and obviously think the system should be improved so these situations don't arise, but then there's not many people interested. The government certainly are not.

Answer 10

Of course it's abuse. Name the bas* ard and I'll report him and the no good hospital or nursing home.
Waste no time - get The Sun on to it or if in N Ireland ring Stephen Nolan. The sooner pigs like him are removed and lose their pension the better!