Mum died alone after family banned from her bedside

Sylvia Anne Emslie died alone at Victoria Hospital, aged 68, after complications due to a stroke.

And despite being on a ‘green ward’ her family say they were not allowed to be with her in her final moments.

They say the former NHS nurse had earlier been given a Do Not Resucitate (DNR) notice without them being consulted.

Sylvia collapsed on the morning of Sunday, April 19, after a large anterior circulatory stroke and was taken to hospital.

Her daughter, Kerry Anne Strachan, said: “The doctor said that there was a Do Not Rescusitate notice. I asked why because she was otherwise fit and healthy. I couldn’t understand why they’d put a DNR in place for her.”

Sylvia was moved to another ward, and Kerry Anne went home to pick-up some things for her mum and called the hospital.

“They wouldn’t let us in to the ward even though she was in a side room on her own. I said I was happy to put on masks, gloves, or anything at all.

“By the Monday morning the doctors said my mum was able to follow basic commands.

“I went to the hospital with my dad and my sister but they were just not letting people in.

“I just lost it outside the Vic. I just wanted to see my mum. It was heartbreaking. The security guard calmed me down a bit. We got in to see her with my dad. She looked like she could understand us, so we had more of a positive feeling.”

On Tuesday Sylvia’s family were told her condition had deteriorated due to a pneumonia-like infection, but that doctors would try different antibiotics.

But Kerry Anne said a doctor later told her over the phone that all treatment had been removed from Sylvia.

“She was basically on end-of-life care. Why didn’t they speak to us about it? They should really have check with the family before they took her off all medications.

“I asked to come in, and the doctor said we could. Then we got another call which said there were only two people allowed in and it has to be the same two until she dies. The rest couldn’t be with her.

“It was like our hearts had just been ripped out.

“They basically told me that they’d taken everything off my mum, that she was dying, and that we couldn’t be with her.”

Kerry Anne later received a phonecall from her sister to tell her that her mum had died.

“It was just the worst thing ever,” she said.

“ My dad and my sister had left the room to get a cup of tea, but they wouldn’t let my brother in to take their place so he had to leave.

“Then at 6.15pm my mum passed away, and she was all alone. She had no one beside her.

“The ironic thing is, once she had passed away we all got to go in and see her at the same time.

“We were just heart-broken. We said our goodbyes.

“We’ve been advised to take it further because nurses on other wards were disgusted that this had happened, especially for end-of-life care.

“We were told other wards were letting people in. She was in a green zone ward, so there was no reason to stop us being there with my mum.”

Kerry Anne says she and her family want answers.

“I want to know why she wasn’t put on a ventilator. I want to know why they didn’t try the other antibiotics that they said they could.

“Why was she not put into intensive care? I want to know why were weren’t let in with my mum when other wards were letting families in for end-of-life care.

“This woman was amazing. She had 13 grandchildren. Her life was her family. My mum was an angel, she was our hero.

“We’ve just had to deal with this horrific grief, and in the circumstances of covid19 it’s made it even worse because there was only six of us allowed at her funeral – my mum had a huge family.

“A lot of friends and family were there on the streets to wave goodbye to my mum, it was beautiful. Once the restrictions are lifted we’re hoping to have a huge memorial service, just to celebrate her life and what she meant to us.”

NHS Fife Nursing Director, Helen Buchanan, said: “Whilst we are unable to disclose specific details due to patient confidentiality, we can confirm that a complaint has been received, which is being investigated.

“Following guidance by the Scottish Government, NHS Fife took the difficult decision to suspend visiting to reduce the spread of covid19.

“This unprecedented decision was taken to protect patients, would-be visitors, and staff.

“However, we acknowledge the distress this has caused for many families and loved ones.

“In particular, we recognise that this is a very difficult time for families with loved ones who are nearing the end of their life.

“The presence of family is an important aspect of their care. Where possible, we seek to provide a compassionate approach to visiting, whilst ensuring our patients and staff remain protected.”