In December of 2017, my 92 year old mother had a fall at home and went by ambulance to the hospital in Nelson. She was rushed into the ER. I had followed the ambulance in my car and was told at the front desk to wait in the front waiting area. I was there for over half an hour and kept asking to see mom but was not allowed. Being 92 and having had a fall was a trauma for mom, she was very scared. I know that staff had to check her vitals, more confusion for her. With me holding her hand she would have relaxed and wouldn’t be so anxious as to what was happening. But really, why couldn’t I be there to support and calm her during this trying time? Being deaf she couldn’t communicate very well. She was questioned about meds and health. Mom’s knowledge of her health and symptoms are not clear to her at times. We started all over with the questions and answers when I was finally allowed in. She did get great care, but why do seniors (especially) or anyone with health issues have to be alone when family is there for them. It was not busy in the ER that day with only one other bed occupied. I did speak with IH officials about my concerns, but they didn’t give me a satisfactory answer.
Harriet Bowolin,
Nelson