"Urgent Concerns Regarding Elderly Care"

I am writing to express my deep concern and heartbreak over the care provided to my elderly parent who is in their 80s at Gosford Hospital. They suffered two fractured ribs and had a complex medical history, including Parkinson’s disease, poor mobility, and previous minor strokes and a heart attack. Despite these vulnerabilities, the level of care they received was, I believe, appallingly inadequate.

After a fall at home, paramedics confirmed my parent's rib fractures via an X-ray and advised that Gosford Hospital could do nothing further, sending them home with only pain relief. There was no consideration of my parent's past medical history or the need for a comprehensive pain management plan and a short spell in hospital to support their wellbeing until they could manage, the alterative could have been to provide some respite / rehab. As the week progressed, it became evident that their pain was not being controlled, and managing their condition at home became increasingly difficult for their devoted child, who was providing care with minimal support.

When my parent's condition worsened, we sought GP assistance, only to receive a prescription for codeine—a medication known to exacerbate constipation, particularly in Parkinson’s patients. The GP did not conduct a home visit and failed to provide clear guidance but considered reviewing in a week or so. After another fall, paramedics were again called but indicated that Gosford Hospital would likely send my parent home once more. Meanwhile, they developed severe constipation leading to overflow, which was mistaken for diarrhea, and eventually began vomiting fecal matter.

When paramedics were called again due to a lack of GP support, my parent was finally admitted to Gosford Hospital, where they were diagnosed with a bowel obstruction and was going into renal failure. They were referred to the palliative care team, yet there were no available beds in their designated area. The consultant did not, it seemed, make the effort to assess my parent in person, and I felt staff on the ward displayed a shocking lack of compassion. Although the specialist nurse said don't worry we will support you!

My parent was left exposed, dehydrated for nearly a week, and without proper mouth care. Pain relief and buscopan were administered but not effectively reviewed. The palliative care team was notably absent, and senior nursing staff on the ward my parent was 'cared for' in, failed in their duty of care in my opinion. My parent spent their final days in distress, without dignity or basic comfort, before passing away just four days before their 88th birthday.

It is deeply disturbing to learn that many residents within the Central Coast community  and nursing colleagues of mine within the surrounding Sydney already recognise Gosford Hospital’s poor standards of care, yet it seems nothing is being done to address these failings. As I understand it, complaint letters are met with vague, bureaucratic responses, and no real accountability is taken. I believe the lack of communication and integration between hospital staff, paramedics, and local GPs leaves vulnerable patients to suffer needlessly.

This experience has been devastating for our family, and I implore those responsible to take meaningful action to improve patient care. In my opinion, the NSW Health Board are negligent in their duty to provide safe care to all.  No family should have to witness a loved one endure such neglect, and no elderly patient should be treated with such disregard in their final days.

I demand an urgent review of these failures and an opportunity to discuss them face-to-face with those in charge. I feel the people of Central Coast deserve better.