To stalk a stranger in A&E

[TheRozzers]

Witnessed a nasty accident today. An elderly lady had a fall in the street and was bleeding badly. I was coming back from the gym and had a towel with me so used it to help stem the bleeding and stayed with her until the paramedics arrived. Others helped too.

We were talking to her and trying to reassure her as she was very distressed and in a lot of pain. I'm pretty sure she's broken a bone.

I asked if there was anyone we could call. Partner, children, friends. She said she had nobody.

I can't stop wondering how she is, she's probably in the hospital A&E corridor and will be for the next week knowing the state of the NHS.

I have tried to call the hospital to enquire after her but no answer.

Would it be really weird and stalker like to go to the hospital and check up on her? Maybe take her something to eat and drink? I know her full name and date of birth so assume I could track her down?

Or would that be an invasion of her privacy?

It's also quite late now.

Lovely update. We'll done OP.

It's a lovely idea and so nice of you to look after her. I'd rather chance going and not being needed than leaving her potentially alone with no one.

such a lovely post. It’s made me smile never mind the old lady. Huge hats off to you - you legend!

I hope that the pair of you have a lovely second visit and perhaps more. Please post again xx

I’ve been that lady, even though I had family.
Being alone and afraid in the hospital - of all places - is scary.
There’s some excellent advice here from some very wise people - I say go and maybe take a bunch of daisies with you, too.
Flowers are the best cheerer-uppers.
”Oh you’re too kind” sure fits you.

I am not either. It's just these dang allergies that have me reaching for a tissue. I will ignore the fact that I'm in my house where there are no allergens.

I am not tearing up.

@TheRozzers You are amazing and remind me that not every hero wears a cape. What you did was wonderful, kind and compassionate. I wish more people were like you. 👏🏅

Oh this is wonderful to read. Good on you OP.

This is one of the nicest threads I've read in ages. Good on you @squishee! Not tearing up here at all...

OP - I am SO glad to hear you went. You are so kind and thoughtful. If more people were like you the world would be a different place!

I started reading the thread late and so glad you stuck to your instincts and went - as there were a number of posts advising you not too.

The lady sounds wonderful and you have possibly made a new friend (as well as set a fine example to your DC. They are lucky to have such a wonderful Mum in you).

This is such a heartwarming story. Maybe one day you'll tell her about the legion of MNetters gunning for her speedy recovery 😊

I hope you know how amazing you are, OP. What a kind, kind thing to do. So happy to hear you found her and she's not alone ♥️

@TheRozzers You are an angel in disguise OhPea! Being in hospital at any age and under any circumstance is always bloody awful, but being there without any friends or family is unthinkable - thank you so much for everything you've done for that lady!

What a nice thread.

Thank you for the little extra effort OP. You have restored my faith in humans after reading this.

Isn't it just so sad that you felt you needed reassurance to go ahead and be kind.

You have definitely made a new friend and she sounds like a darling.

This is one of the nicest threads ever - OP thank you for caring and what a lovely experience- the poor lady must be so happy to have such a kind person helping her in a really difficult situation 😍

@TheRozzers this thread neatly bought a tear to my eye....you're a lovely human and the elderly lady was lucky you were there 💙 sounds like you might have both found a new pal! Hope she's back to putting on her bra in no time

I’m glad the world still has kind people like you in it. Bring her a pack of nicks from penneys. Can’t believe she’s still in A&E. That’s quite horrendous.

How kind of you, really lovely.

They could check if injured person was there and ask the injured person if she'd like to see the OP, without giving details.
Yes it'd probably be a faff but I think some hospital staff would look kindly on the genuine gesture. The smaller tge hospital, the more likely you are to be welcomed OP.

Oops, didn't read your later post.
Fabulous, glad you went, pleased you can make someone happier.

Regards the strike, I work in a darn hospital and didn't know they were striking, until i wondered where everyone was....sonetines they go out for training meetings etc.
Talk about keeping it out of the news.

What a lovely thing to do op!

I'd like to thank you OP. So heartening there are still folk like you who go above and beyond.

I often feel people these days, particularly in cities are very insular, anonymous even detached from strangers in obvious need such as this. My friend and I have witnessed it on previous visits to London and was saddened so many stuck their heads down concentrating on phones and stepped over/walked by someone that had been knocked over. This would never happen in our small rural town so came as somewhat of a shock.

As for hospitals these days...UK is like a third world country sadly. A recent visit to A&E saw my severely disabled boss left in his wheel chair for 48hrs in a cold corridor as they didn't have a hoist available to move him or could even supply a blanket in the depth of winter. His wife had to rush home and bring a duvet and pillow in.

This post has really made me realise how helping someone else can change their lives. We never know what people are going through or how taking a little time can help people more than we will ever know. As I tell my daughter, we don’t do anything for no reward. The joy this old lady will bring to you will make you happy and that feeling is one you will want again. Being kind to others gives us a wonderful feeling back. This is your reward. You have done a wonderful thing and I it brings tears to me eyes how the lady must have felt when you walked in. Imagine knowing someone did that for you? It’s absolutely brilliant. She must have literally thought you were an angel! Please keep us updated. Well done again, this thread has made my week.

@MNHQ can we move this absolutely beautiful thread to "classics" I feel like it should be there for people to read when they need reminding how wonderful humans can be.
@TheRozzers You are an absolutely lovely lovely lady. If my Nanna had a fall, although she has a very close and loving family I would be delighted for someone like you to visit and "chew the fat" with her. The elderly population are overlooked in this country but they have such wonderful stories to tell.

If it was me I would go OP. My late father was in A&E recently and the thought of him being alone there in the vulnerable state he was in was a horrible thought. The nursing staff and doctors were great but no substitute for having someone with you.

You went! Good on you OP.

Nice one OP, you did just the right thing. How kind you are.