NHS-Just had operation. Porter said this!!!!!

[IsAnybodyListening]

Recently had complex surgery following an accident, and I have been home a few days now. The more I think about this, the angrier I get. As not to drip feed this was basically the situation.

My consultant and surgeons were utterly fantastic with me. My last surgery was over 10yrs ago, unfortunately there were complications plus I developed an infection post surgery and became extremely ill. Due to this, they were aware how anxious I was to be going under anesthesia again and were incredibly understanding.

Whilst on the ward. I was nil by mouth. Surgery was postponed 3 times due to life and death situations which is completely understandable, however during this time I hadn't ate in 38hrs which I was OK with, however the first issue were Nurses kept refusing to give me fluid. They weren't listening to me that surgery was delayed and that I could have water up until a few hrs before going into theatre. By sheer luck the anesthetist happened to pop into my room for me to sign consent forms whilst I was begging for a drink and told the nurse to give me fluid.

By this point, I'm hungry, exhausted, unable to sleep as in pain and very thirsty and drained, also scared of pending surgery and when it might happen.

The porter came to wheel me to theatre. Just before going into the operating room she is making idle chit chat, and the surgeon comes out to see me and help wheel me in. The porter obviously doesn't know what I've been through, my history or anything about me, and for some bizarre reason declares in the most jovial tone ' Just remember when they knock you out, not to go to heaven when you're under'!!!!!!

The surgeon heard, and fair play to him he looked bloody furious with this comment.

Anyhow, I had surgery, it should have been 2hrs but was closer to 6hrs. Now I am home and recovering, I can't stop thinking about what she said RIGHT before I had a massive operation. Who says something so stupid?

Do I assume the surgeon would have raised it as he definitely heard, or should I go down the formal complaint route? It keeps playing over in my mind, that and my surgery didn't actually go as expected and involved more surgeons and hours than initially expected and since I woke up, I can't stop thinking about what she said. Death IS a risk with surgery. Why would a health care professional say something so utterly careless like that in such a serious situation?

If you managed to read all that, thanks. Not sure if this should be in AIBU or is it a more WWYD question?

Agreed

Have you ever had surgery ? If so, did you understand that all surgery and anaesthesia carries risk - that’s why you sign a consent form. Have you ever had an anaesthetist tell you that you are at increased risk from anaesthesia because of a health condition ? Because if you had experienced any of these things surely you would understand the need for someone to explain to the porter that patients about to undergo surgery are understandably anxious, and that some have reason to be more anxious than others - therefore insensitive comments like this are not appropriate and not to be tolerated.

Genuine personalities ‘doing their best’ wouldn’t think of making such an insensitive comment implying the possibility of death to a patient about to be wheeled into theatre for major surgery.

So you think treating anxious patients with dignity and respect at the point of entering theatre for surgery is patronising ? Well given the choice between that and being jovially reminded just before being put under anaesthetic that I could die on the table, I’ll take patronising every time thanks.

And your point would be…………………..

It's a bit of a concern that so many on here seem to think people on minimum wage can be neither kind nor respectful.

No way would I complain about this. It was a joke, plenty of patients would have had a smile about it or retorted 'no way I'm getting in to heaven' or something (if they could speak at that point).

Lots of HCPs are the jovial, wise cracky type. It helps a lot of patients. Not all of them. But lots and lots. Not everything needs to be serious and doom filled.

🙄 She was trying to make you smile and therefore relax! Goodness me

Indeed and they all must be a bit thick🙄

😆😆😆 Love that!

Yes lets just tell a patient aboutt to have major surgery they might die
Thats really going to relax them

I was in the Royal Berks for surgery, they asked me to count down from 10, as i started to feel drowsy, a nurse said "Dont give her that much, she'll never wake up"

I came round and thought it incredibly funny, i still do 35 years later.

Everyone did their job, the OP is home and recovery, you'd think they d chopped off the wrong leg judging by her anger.

As for water, the nurses do what the notes say and if thats still NBM then thats what it is or we'd get a post "Surgery cancelled because dipshit nurse gave me water, should i complain"

@clpsmum To make her smile and bloody relax!!! Jesus wept

Why do people keep banging on about porters being on low wages ? How is that remotely relevant ? What is relevant that this throwaway comment is actually a reminder to a patient about to undergo major surgery, that they could die on the table. How is that keeping a light, positive atmosphere ? The hope is that an email to PALS will result in the portering staff being reminded that such comments are inappropriate. It’s not rocket science - theatre patients are likely to be anxious so watch what you say.

You think saying I hope you don't die would make anyone relax??? 🙄🙄🙄

But some people like a bit of humour, should they complain when they don't get it?

I thought the English liked dark humour.

Unless a formal complaint is raised and an investigation, the porter in question wont be told anything, talk about wasting the time of the NHS.

@clpsmum err read the OP, thats not what the porter said.

The point is that pleanty of patients wouldn't find it funny and find it upsetting in view of the fact they are just about to have major surgery under GA ,one of the complications of it is death ( albeit rare)
The porter has no idea who might find it funny and who won't
So.its best not to make such crass jokes

Just be cause you think its funny doesn't mean everyone will.

The UK clearly has the NHS it deserves bearing in mind comments on this thread. It's not so much the Race for Life but the Race to the Bottom. Yep, dumb everything down to the lowest common denominator. If you do one thing is for sure, standards will slip but that appears to be what people want.

It's hardly surprising the NHS is in the mess it's in if the people generally are prepared to suck up poor standards. No amount of funding will improve it if expectations are on the floor and as far as MNet is concerned, with a few exceptions, that appears to be where they are.

Oh OP I'm sorry you have had such a awful time. I couldn't imagine fasting for that long!

Regarding the comment... I imagine, if the surgeon looked so mad, the potter has had all the feedback they need.
I imagine it was one of those situations where a stupid thing is said, without any mean for offended or upset, with immediate regret.

I don't think putting in a complaint will achieve anything and it won't change how you feel either. Just try and move on from it.

@Trailstunning no not word for word but along those lines ffs.

It doesn't matter who thought it was funny or not the op didn't. It upset her and was a highly inappropriate thing to say. Would you have found it funny if it was said to a child

I work in the NHS and I would say that the vast vast majority of people would take it in the spirit intended and would either smile or retort or even roll their eyes a bit. It's an approach that works for many to help relax them, much more so than a clinically cold, technical language only, etc. Very often light relief cuts through the atmosphere perfectly.

Sorry 'worked' that should say. Can't edit it.

@clpsmum err read the OP, thats not what the porter said.

Actually, that was essentially what she did say. And there’s no need for an investigation - just a request through PALS to remind porters to be mindful of throwaway comments in certain circumstances.

I hope your not working in direct patient Care
I also.used to work in the NHS and we were taught to.respect patients and treat them with dignity
And whilst I personally have a very dark sense of humour
I knew when it was appropriate to make comments and when it wasn't