After a morning of leaving messages via Email and voicemail and every other mail I could find I have had some great support from the carers liaison officer. She works at the other big local hospital where rules are slightly different, but has confirmed that the ward sister will accept my POA and the clerk should take a copy as per
@marionq's advice.
I can't visit today, so will just have to drop that off and leave. The staff nurse was supposed to call me back an hour ago, but is obviously busy. No word from OTs or doctors either, so more phone calls to make.
Carers Liaison has told me the Care Act states I should be treated as an expert in C's care and consulted accordingly, so that is something worth quoting every visit. The small size of the ward means other entitlements to extra visits on compassionate grounds are ruled out for now, but pass it on in case anyone finds it helpful.
I am going for a massage pre-booked a few weeks ago, so should be more relaxed when I pop in with POA.