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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go into the hospital and demand they sort this out now?

94 replies

BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 17:40

DH went into hospital at midnight on Sunday having broken his hip in a fall...he is still lyng there now and has repeatedly been bumped off the list for surgery.

This is his 4th night now and he is in pain...not only his hip but his back and neck....he's been lying still for 3 days and 3 nights....in the same position. I have just accepted it every time they had to take him off the list as I know they are stretched and have smetimes to decide another case is more desperate...but in my opinion after three days HE is more important.

Tomorrow is day 4....and if they dont garantee that he is donein the morning I and he are tempted to remove him and have him wait at home...he is very down...and I want to go to the to the press too. WHat can do? I feel so devestated.

OP posts:
Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 21:46

Thanks peace I did that but there is only an adress...(the hospitals surprise surprise) so if I call or mail it will just be PALS who get it...no email address for the CE at all. Tomorrow I will be making a formal complaint in writing...

OP posts:
PeaceofCakeAndGoodWineToAllMN · 21/12/2011 22:25

Ah, there's a knack to it Wink I don't mind having a search if you want to PM me the hospital's name. You could always call the hospital switch board and ask them. It'll be on their computer Smile

catsareevil · 21/12/2011 22:27

An incident form is ok in some ways, but unlikely to make any difference to your DH care, as they tend to be about reviewing things after the fact.
I'm not convinced that asking to see the chief exac will get you very far, as they will be very unlikely to have the availibility to see you quickly even if they wanted to. PALS (or email to chief exec) will probably be a more helpful step.

SilverSixpence · 21/12/2011 23:07

Absolutely agree with AnyoneforTurps, I have also worked in orthopaedics and unfortunately trauma lists are a huge problem at the moment for the reasons she has mentioned. Escalating things usually gets results fairly quickly in my experience. I also know how awful it is for patients who have been starved all day only to find out their op has been cancelled and it was all for nothing.

PALS office is usually based on site somewhere fairly prominent, the reception desk will be able to tell you where.

Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:13

Thanks cat and everyone else...I will be calling PALS in the morning and also speaking to the manager of the ward in the am when she starts work...she was very helpful and has promised to help...I don't know what else to do...I know DH is planning on asking the consultant in the morning what would happen without him waiting for surgery...he is that desperate to get out...I told him he needs to have the OP...but he's getting desperate now. He feels that if they are prepared to leave him this long, then how can they call him emergency or make him wait for 4 days? I suppose I can call the consultants secretary too...

I don't know...I will also email the CE and keep calling....and then if he's not in theatre in the afternoon I will be seeing a solcitor and callling the press.

OP posts:
FabbyChic · 21/12/2011 23:15

They bump him because there are others more serious than he is, its the National Health Service it is free what do you expect first class service?

If you want that pay for it.

If someone comes in with a more serious condition that is life threatening they need seeing to first surely even you can understand that?

Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:16

So can I insist they bump an elective surgery?

OP posts:
FabbyChic · 21/12/2011 23:18

If its not life threatening you should do so.

Emergency surgery should take precedence.

Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:20

You are not making sense fabby

OP posts:
MrsChristmasDB · 21/12/2011 23:21

Band

Sorry to hear your DH didn't get his op today. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for you.

Wishing you all the best.

hiddenhome · 21/12/2011 23:23

ffs it's not a lot to ask for a fractured hip to be repaired Fabby Who the hell goes private for something like that? It's not a breast enhancement he's waiting for Hmm

hiddenhome · 21/12/2011 23:24

BandOMothers make sure he's getting something to prevent dvt.

Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:24

FAbby DH is on the emergency list...others on thread have suggested he is beng bumped because elective surgerys...those with non emergency bookings...are taking precedence in order that the hospital meets their targets with regard to waiting lists. DH has a broken hip...he is lying there healing...and getting worse in oder that the hospital keeps their bumbers correct.

OP posts:
TartyMcFalalalalalalalalarty · 21/12/2011 23:24

Fabby, your tone is so unhelpful. I hope you never find yourself in the same position as the OP's poor DH who is waiting bedridden and in pain with absolutely no control over his deteriorating health - I hope you don't, but if you do, may your harsh words come back to haunt you.

Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:26

He has bandge on his good leg hidden but afaiac he isn't being washed often/properly and they are lax about removing urine bottles...he's barely seen a nurse today. He cannot stand to wash himself and is lying in the same position...ok he has a pressure bed...but still.

OP posts:
hiddenhome · 21/12/2011 23:27

You really need to kick up a stink if you know he's being bumped so that electives can be operated on Shock

Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:28

I dont KNOW that for surehidden someone up thread suggested it.

OP posts:
hiddenhome · 21/12/2011 23:29

Ask them if he's receiving treatment to prevent deep vein thrombosis because he's been lying still for so long. You need to complain about the lack of personal care too. Don't be frightened to complain.

hiddenhome · 21/12/2011 23:32

It's the sort of thing that might be overlooked esp. if they can't even be fussed to help him with a wash. Are you able to go in and help him with a wash? Don't they have health care assistants knocking around?

Honestly, make your voice heard. Don't be afraid to make a fuss.

Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:33

Im not frghtened and I have complained today....but I'm not sure if he is getting treatment...surely he should have seen a physio or someone to help him with keeping mobile? He has not...he has a pressure bandage on one leg. That appeared today.

OP posts:
Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:34

I know it's hard to find a nurse..they are always somewhere else...not seen any HCA;s at all.

OP posts:
Liluri · 21/12/2011 23:35

In a situation where there are limited resources it is often those who complain the loudest that get dealt with first ..... so unfortunately that is going to have to be you.

Dealing with PALS is a good idea.

Ask to speak to the Chief Exec and ask to see your DH's notes.

Four days in extreme pain is awful - are they managing his pain meds adequately?

Original poster
BandOMothers · 21/12/2011 23:37

he does seem to have meds but he is in pain...they are giving him morphine

OP posts:
lisad123 · 21/12/2011 23:38

I highly recommend PALS. Because of my complaint they completely changed the way they send bloods for a certain cancer test, that has to be done at a different hospital! Dh is the only one having this test at local hospital BUT for anyone in future, they will have easier time. They truely do get things done. Put it in writing.
So sorry about your husband though, poor man must be in a right state Sad
Hope you get some better news tomorrow

hiddenhome · 21/12/2011 23:40

He's also at risk of developing chest infection if he's immobile like that. I hope things get sorted out tomorrow.