A Dundee man has launched a website called ‘Fix Dundee Health and Social Care’ detailing his view of his mother’s ‘damaging’ care journey.
Teacher Nicholas Garty, 58, gave up his job to care for his mum four years ago.
He says he was ‘traumatised’ witnessing the care system first hand. And by the ‘indignities and injuries’ he says his mum sustained in hospital and during personal home care.
Since Kathleen passed away in March, aged 84, Nicholas has been working on the website.
“Mum deserved much better. Both in hospital and the level of personal care at home was inadequate. She was frail and needed 24/7 care,” Nicholas explains.
Dundee born and bred
Kathleen was born and bred in Dundee – attending Rockwell School and then St John’s.
She married her first boyfriend Terence (Terry) after meeting him at The Palais dance hall in Hawkhill. They lived in Malta for a while before returning to raise their family in St Mary’s.
Nicholas says: “Now mum is no longer here, I have time to challenge these things constructively, for her, to a positive resolution.
“There seems to be a lack of proper training, ongoing support and mentoring. Mum really suffered from some carers’ lack of competence.”
Nicholas believes the system is broken and is seeking ‘answers’ from authorities – NHS Tayside and Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership.
And he wants to talk to others with similar experiences.
‘Carers have compassion fatigue’
“The whole care journey was dreadful and traumatising. It opened my eyes to a lot.
“I was always on badgering social work, telling them about near-misses or risks or lack of care.
“Even just basic things like washing someone’s body and knowing how to treat inflamed skin or apply creams. I was on at them constantly.
“There is also compassion fatigue. Obviously existing staff are under pressure, rushing between clients, overbooked or overloaded which impacts their mood and wellbeing.”
‘We need to face up to system’s problems’
Nicholas continues: “Of course it is a massive job to change. But the first step to fixing a problem is to acknowledge it.
“There’s a lot going on in health and social care. People know what the problems are but they’re not facing up to them or addressing them.
“If they do it means facing challenges like staff resourcing, funding etc. And admitting some staff are not trained effectively to do the job.
‘In denial’
“I feel social care are in denial. The Care Inspectorate, the NHS and my MP have taken my report on board. But social work say there’s nothing to investigate.
“My mum sustained injuries. They did not conduct a safeguarding investigation which is a legal due process.”
Nicholas continues: “I feel frustrated, outraged and disappointed that some are not meeting their public duty of care. It’s not just about my mum, it’s about the wider issue.
‘Who will speak up for the vulnerable?’
“I’m seeking personal answers but also my website will help guide others who are caring for their loved ones.
“How many others are out there, vulnerable and without somebody advocating for them or properly caring for them?
“Some won’t even know their rights let alone what to do if they’re not satisfied with services.
“Many are totally reliant on social work. Some won’t even know their rights let alone what to do if they’re not satisfied with services.
“It is a prevalent problem in Dundee and I’d welcome contact from others. They can talk to me or share stories through the website Fixdundeehs.com.”
NHS Tayside investigating
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside says: “Due to patient confidentiality we are unable to comment on individual cases. The complaints and feedback team is in direct contact with Mr Garty and investigating concerns raised. Findings will be shared with the family.”
A Dundee Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on individual circumstances. We invite anyone with concerns to contact the partnership directly.”