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?

'Don't die under anaesthetic' is a stupid thing to say to someone going into surgery. I'd complain to PALS.

It was a silly thing to say but I think making a complaint about it is ridiculous.

This.

Well it wouldn't be difficult to comp!ain to.the company that employed the porters and domestic staff at the hospital.I used to work at ,it doesn't need a huge investigation just a general bit of training that in appropriate comments are not acceptable.

It was a silly and insenstive comment to make and I should imagine the porter is kicking themselves now. Also, you don't know whats going on in the porter's life, as well. That they made a silly comment.

We had a wonderful kind porter and happy porter in our hospital. His wife died on the ward and our wonderful kind porter avoided our ward after that. If he did come he was always on edge and scared.

I hope you have a smooth recovery.

Why?

They probably walked away thinking ‘oh no!! What have I just said!!!’ It honestly wouldn’t bother me, but then, I rarely feel the need to report anything or anyone who makes a daft comment. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Because it’s trivial.

It doesn't really matter what's going on in the Porters life ,they are there to do.a job ,equally they don't know what's going on in a patients life ,.

Mention it in follow up & ask if it wad dealt with by surgeon?Also same to muchalover.

Absolutely complain and do it directly to the Theatre Manager and CE0. Don't bother with Pals as they'll just fob you off.

I work in Theatres and we have a very inappropriate porter that we have all complained about.... and he's still there. The only people who are listened to are formal complaints by patients/relatives

Its not if its going to.scare a patient .

She was about to have major surgery under a general.anaesthetic ,were a potential albeit rare complication could be death I think anyone could be a bit "over sensitive " those circumstances.

Please leave it.

She's said it as a casual comment, probably tries to stay chirpy to cheer patients up, and totally misjudged it.

Forget it.

She's on minimum wage doing her best, really no need to complain.

Look at all this energy you’ve wasted on this when you should be using it getting better. If you’re offended, complain, if you’re not, forget it.
always ask yourself what you hope to get out of a complaint.

It wouldn't bother me to be honest

Op. Can I ask, why did you ask,when you’re so sure you’re right and getting angry with anyone who disagrees? Delete the thread, and complain, it’s what you’re itching to do.

Another poster who feels that you should t complain about a stupid comment by someone on the minimum wage at the bottom of the hospital pecking order. I would complain if the surgeon made some stupid remark, however.

*shouldn’t complain

It's normal for people in a profession like that to have a dark sense of humour, but they should keep that to colleagues & friends, not patients! 🙈

The porters and domestic staff at the hospital I used to.work at were employed by an outside company and NOT on minimum Wage ,but regardless of what they are earning ,they should have a,little bit of sensitivity. Given the nature of the job.

They could just send a memo to every porter reminding them of appropriate language.

There was a thread on here earlier this week about someone who had a panic attack on the operating table because they were so scared. HCPs came on and said it wasn’t uncommon. The comment the Porter made would exacerbate an already stressed patient

so yes the Porter needs to be spoken to and given training

could you mention it to the surgeon when you have your follow up? As you say, a word may already have been had

I can see why it's playing on your mind- it was probably just a (very!) misguided attempt to put you at ease, but agree it was very inappropriate given that they don't know a thing about the patient's background.

A couple of years ago, I was in a&e and was taken to a side room for an ECG. I'd made clear to the (seemingly lovely) nurse that I'm a complete hospital phobic - they've given me nightmares since childhood and in fact was well into adulthood before I could comfortably drive past one!

For some reason she decided to tell me this was the 'butterfly' room - where they kept bodies of people who had died in a&e. I mean I was utterly freaked out and certainly couldn't sleep that night. It was my worst nightmare and I was terrified of her leaving me in there alone (which she did for a while).

I did think about complaining, but never did.

This.