"Home" Again

Dee returned to PN Hospital at 2am Saturday morning!

After the Christchurch Public hospital decided that Dee should not return to Burwood, they made arrangements for him to be transferred back to PN Hospital, stating that "there is nothing we are doing here that they can't do there". It feels like no one actually wants to 'take him on' ... maybe not wanting to pay the bill?  

After being in hospital for so many weeks, these are the things we know; 

PN Hospital

• Mainly deal with older generation, stroke rehab etc
• Not set up for spinal patients
• Most nursing staff have never had experience with a sling hoist and need a few attempts to get it right.
• Communication between departments is disjointed, this means everything seems to take a very long time. Always waiting. 
• Staff shortages
• Very dated equipment & facilities
• Nothing to do all day except lie around all day, except for one 20min physio appointment per day.
• Dee's catheter seems to always leak in Palmy Hospital. Likely the way it goes in, or the style/size they use? Never happened once when in Burwood.
• No one really cares if you don't want to shower. In fact, it seems they prefer it because it is a big job. Often will just use the bed pan so they don't have to hoist him up into the commode chair. 
• Family are often expected to help do the nursing. "Is someone coming in to give you a shower today?"

Christchurch Public Hospital

• Brand new facilities
• More experienced with spinal patients as they are so close to Burwood, but not all staff. Most staff have not used a sling hoist, but have seen transfers being done. 
• Not very culturally responsive
• Much more efficient systems, communication and support staff
• Linked in with the Spinal Trust as they are based in Christchurch

Burwood Spinal Unit

• Is a separate unit in the Burwood Hospital
• Specialists with spinal patients and their unique needs.
• The 'normal routine' includes getting patients up and out of bed in the morning, showering, wearing shoes, going to the dining room, having some 'normal' in the day
• Independence is encouraged (expected). This includes from family helpers. 'He needs to learn how to do it on his own mentality'. 
• Tough staff that expect patients to do a lot. No lying around in bed, even when you are tired. Sleep-in only allowed on the weekends. (like normal life!)
• 3 physio/OT sessions daily to exercise and stretch the muscles and joints. 
• Bed rolling rotations 24 hours a day, so no pressure points or sores develop. (This is actually a really big deal!) You don't have to ask... it's just done!
• They will do your washing for you