to ask about A&E policy at the moment

[narisha99]

Just heard that FIL has had a fall just outside his house, has injured his back and will be another 2 hours before the ambulance comes. His neighbours are with him and looking after him, have spoken to him and he his not distressed.

We live 2 hours away and trying to decide if we should leave now to be with him. What is the hospital policy at the moment, will we be allowed to accompany him - or visit or will we be told to stay away?

Sorry to hear that, OP. Unless I've missed the relevant location, may I recommend phoning the nearest hospital with A and E to your FIL's house and asking them.

Good luck.

Only he will be allowed in to the hospital.

Gosh yes! What a simple solution :-)

You'll likely be told to stay away. My Mum's husband has been admitted with sepsis twice since lockdown started & she's not been able to accompany him either time. She had to wait outside when he was discharged both times & a nurse handed over outside.

Not sure. Have you tried ringing HIS local hospital for advice?

Actually - just looked at the website and it's very clear that there are no vistitors - so I guess we sit tight :-(

You'll very likely be told to stay away

No visitors allowed in "my" A&E at the moment - unless need to assist with translation / acutely confused patient

Sorry to hear that. All A&E's have clear, separate parts to keep covid separate from other injuries, so help reduce exposure. Hopefully he will will have some xrays, analgesia and get home later today. Is there anyone at home to help him with washing, cooking etc?

Sorry, I very much doubt you'll be allowed in. Wasn't allowed anyone with me when I had to go a couple of months back, but he'll be in the best hands I'm sure. Hope it's nothing too serious.

Sorry OP, to be clear, I wasn't trying to be funny but to be helpful as, unless I missed it, you didn't even state what nation you were in for someone to be able to state what any national policy would be if you FIL's nation has a national policy. I don't try and be snarky and say 'google it'.

Good luck.

@Zilla1 - No it was helpful - I wasn't thinking of the obvious!

Ambulance has arrived now (much quicker than expected) - they suspect a broken hip!

Am guess he will be in for a while, am guessing I'll find out more later. I presume we will be able to get stuff to him some how

No worries, OP. I hope he sails through surgery and mobilises and leaves hospital quickly (depending on the break, he might be in for a surprisingly short time, depending on home circumstances [not on the top floor of a flat]).

Good luck.

regarding my stupidly subjective use of 'surprising', I suppose might be less than a fortnight depending on if broken, how fixed and general condition.

good luck.

He could be in for as little as 3 days. That’s how long my mum & dad’s next door neighbour was in after breaking their hip & having it operated on. This was just after Christmas.

I went to A&E with ds on Thursday and didn't even get in as they sent us straight up to the children's ward.
They were triaging on the door.

A tip for you, OP, once he’s discharged by the orthopaedic team make sure he’s sent home. The ward they’ll move him to otherwise is likely to be akin to a circle from hell and he’ll deteriorate alarmingly quickly if he finds himself there. Your husband needs to advocate for him and be very assertive.

Thanks all - He's being xrayed at the moment and they anticipate an operation tonight, so hopefully it won't be too long before we will have a clearer picture of what to expect.

Also found out it's fine to drop off stuff for him - just need to go to security office. So will go up tomorrow to drop off stuff for him