A MAN has claimed Weston General Hospital provided negligent care of his mother.

Jean Ward visited the hospital, part of the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW), on April 6, 2022.

Her son Nick Ward told the Weston Mercury that she was diagnosed with a urine infection and sent home with an antibiotic, which didn’t tackle other infections in the body. Overnight, her condition worsened.

Nick said: “I called the ambulance again and they took my mother back to Weston General Hospital. She arrived at A&E at 5.54am in the morning on the 7th.

"When I telephoned A&E at 10am, four hours after she had arrived, she had still not seen the doctor and was still with the ambulance crew. 

“I was extremely worried as the nurse would not allow me to speak to the doctor and she was not aware that my mother now had the more serious chest infection which needed the broad spectrum antibiotic.”

Nick explained that he telephoned his own medical practice in the hopes of speaking to a doctor who could intervene, which proved fruitless.

Nick said that Jean was admitted to the hospital at 14.47pm on April 7.

Nick added: “When I went to see my mother in the medical assessment unit after her admission I was told by the doctor that she may not survive.

"He said that she was showing signs of going into shock and that this could lead to multiple organ failure. I was told by the doctor that she had sepsis, lower respiratory tract infection, urine infection and acute kidney injury. 

"It is quite clear that there is not an effective system of back up at A&E as my mother was left for such a long time without the attention of a doctor and nearly died." 

The hospital has said that they understand that having a family member in hospital can be distressing.

A University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “Patient safety is our top priority. We know having a loved one in hospital can be very distressing, and we pride ourselves on making the people we care for feel safe, comfortable and listened to if they do have any concerns.

“We encourage anyone who is unsatisfied with their experiences with us, or has concerns around their, or their loved one’s care, to speak to our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team. 

“Our PALS and Complaints Team will work together with patients and families to ensure that their concerns are taken forward as appropriate.

 “We take all complaints very seriously and are committed to learning from them and making improvements where needed.”