My 74-year-old father recently underwent spinal surgery at Franklin Square Hospital to remove…read morearthritis compressing the nerves in his spine. This was a difficult procedure that greatly limited his motor functions and required rehabilitation. Unfortunately, while waiting for a rehabilitation bed placement, he was assigned to room 1105, where the nursing staff's treatment of him was deeply disappointing.
He arrived on the floor on Thursday, September 4. On this day, he was left in bed and forced to eat with his neck brace on because the nursing staff would not respond to help remove it. The following morning, Friday, he was left sitting on the toilet for 45 minutes waiting for staff to return and assist him. That evening, he was told a rehabilitation bed had been secured, and from that point forward the care noticeably declined.
The most troubling incident occurred that night. My father called me at 5:00 AM, stating that his night nurse, Temmy, had refused to give him his prescribed pain medication, telling him "you're going to rehab." My father was in pain, unable to move on his own, and left without proper care. In addition, a urinal cup placed by the bed had spilled into the bed, and when he called for help, no one came to assist him. I personally tried contacting the nurse on duty but was unable to reach her; eventually, I got in touch with the charge nurse, who assured me she would check on him.
This experience was unacceptable. Patients in recovery, particularly elderly patients with limited mobility, deserve compassion, attentiveness, and dignity. Leaving a patient in pain, ignoring calls for help, and refusing medication is not only unprofessional but dangerous. I hope this feedback leads to improved accountability and training for the staff on floor 1105 so that no other patient or family has to endure this type of neglect.