Don't Let Them Tell You There's No Hell. There Is and I've Been There ; (1) Good Health(2) in a Frank and Truly Shocking Diary, a Former Nurse Exposes the Abysmal Standard of Care Given to Her 87-Year-Old Mother As She Lay Dying in Hospital

Summary

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JUDITH ALLEN was once proud of her profession. nurse for 36 years, she also advised the Royal College of Nursing in Wales and ran its education institute. Last July, her 87-year-old mother was hospitalised, and over a period of five months endured a catalogue of neglectful, cruel treatment. Judith kept a diary of her experience. It makes shocking reading ...

July 27, 2004

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Don't Let Them Tell You There's No Hell. There Is and I've Been There ; (1) Good Health(2) in a Frank and Truly Shocking Diary, a Former Nurse Exposes the Abysmal Standard of Care Given to Her 87-Year-Old Mother As She Lay Dying in Hospital

MUM was admitted to the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, with a urinary tract infection and kidney failure.

She was given antibiotics and an intravenous drip to rehydrate her, and a catheter to empty her bladder.

I know Mum's been living on borrowed time for a number of years she's 85 and very frail. She's had several bone fractures, a heart attack and two strokes, and her kidney function is poor.

Yet, she is still mentally very alert, and knows exactly what is going on. She is an avid reader, she loves books and poetry, also the opera. She enjoys her life. I hope her treatment at the hospital makes her feel a little better.

July 29

EARLY this evening, Mum complained of severe chest pain. I asked if she could be seen by a doctor but as it's the weekend, I'm told she has to see a senior nurse.

Three hours later a nurse finally came at 10.45pm. I explained Mum had pain when ...

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