DEAR EDITOR:

My 76-year-old mother went to Mercy Health’s St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital’s emergency room May 19 with a 103-degree fever. Her COVID-19 test was negative, and she was discharged with antibiotics.

About five days later, her fever did not subside and spiked higher. She was again taken by ambulance to the same Mercy Health ER, and since no one is allowed in the hospital, I called to find out what was happening.

A nurse refused to give me information. My mother was admitted and evaluated for a fever of unknown origin. Her COVID-19 test was again negative.

Due to COVID-19, no one is allowed in the hospital. So you literally must leave loved ones in the hands of health-care professionals.

I was a health-care professional for 17 years. My husband is a physician. I have nurses in my family. What I experienced for the next several days was torture. Usually I would be at my mother’s bedside, asking questions because she sometimes gets confused. The floor nurses don’t have time for that since they are caring for several patients. I called the nurses’ station many times to check on my mom. They hate being bothered by family. They were never available and usually called back hours later.

I asked the nurse to leave the hospitalist a message to call me. I heard nothing from a doctor for three days.

After I called a patient advocate, he called me. After explaining my mother’s condition, he informed me that he would not call me again, and I need to follow up with the nurses.

My mother has non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Her oncologist is at the Cleveland Clinic, with whom I made arrangements to have her transferred.

But the hospitalist refused her transfer without speaking to anyone. This is unacceptable and irresponsible. My mother is not well and needs quality care while she is being delayed treatment and discharge.

This is an unprecedented time. “We are all in this together?” Really? After this week I feel completely alone, and I know my mother is scared and confused and just wants to come home.

Patients are more at risk in many ways without a companion. If we are unable to be present with them, it is vital there is a frequent and open line of communication. It is not only imperative, but critical that a policy / plan be implemented for patients and their families.

The helplessness, stress and anxiety I have experienced is overwhelming and astonishing.

JENNIFER KNISLEY