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.

This is lovely. It sounds like you're both getting so much out of this blossoming friendship!

You are a diamond - do it.

Bloody love this OP - I am fully invested in this story and what you might add to each others lives 🥹

Anybody else think that Pauline will be installed in @TheRozzers spare room by the end of the week 😂

What a lovely person you are @TheRozzers . Your mum would be so proud of you

Faith in humanity RESTORED

I’m sure an old lady with no family or friends who just had a traumatic fall won’t be fussing over the ‘invasion of privacy’. I’m sure it would be appreciated.

We need more people in society who think like you. Go see the old lady.

You are such a lovely person. Made me feel happy to read this. Thank you.

Bless! Sounds like a new friendship has blossomed 😍

aww if I had a spare room I would totally have Pauline to stay. Unfortunately I could only offer her a bunk bed with my 5 year old which I doubt would appeal.

My older DC wants to meet her so we are going to take her a Saturday newspaper tomorrow. Pauline mentioned she liked a weekend paper but I didn't find out if she's a Guardian or Daily Mail reader so I guess I'll get her both.

@EnglishBluebell it may depend on your local area, but mine accepts volunteers who can do things like visit patients, run errands for them etc.

@TheRozzers you are doing a fantastic job! Well done.

@TheRozzers I would be very careful of offending re:the newspapers! It was only when my (now late) father went into hospital that I realised how seriously some people take buying newspapers, as he was an avid Daily Mail reader, but two of his friends flinched at being asked if they'd collect a copy for him, as they were very, very much not the DM type 😆

Are you able to find out from her tomorrow what paper she likes, and purchase it from a kiosk on site (I appreciate not all hospitals may have these facilities).

❤️

You are very kind. I know it’s a bit cooler now, but one thing I really appreciated in hospital was one of those little supermarket pots of fresh fruit, really refreshing, and hospital meals never seem to have really nice fresh fruit. A plastic spoon is a good idea if you do!

I love this so much! You definitely came into each other's lives for a reason 💖

What a lovely thread

I don't know about hospitals but there's this
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/befriending-services/

You are truly a star, bless you and your family. The world is a better place for having you in it 💕

OP, you're an absolute gem of a human being.

Thank you. Having a little wobble today that I might be viewed as a safeguarding concern.

DP (who is very kind and supportive) pointed out that she will be classed as a vulnerable adult as she has no next of kin and if I am turning up every day, questions might be asked about who I am and what my intentions are.

I know I'm genuine but not quite sure how to reassure anyone who asks. I only met Pauline on Wednesday and I can see how it might seem a bit strange.

Noooo don't be daft OP's DH! You'd just be assumed to be a friend. It's not an ITV 3 part drama. If anything, the Nurses will smile at how generous you've been 🤷🏼‍♀️

What a lovely thread to read! You're such a kind lady @TheRozzers . I'm sure you've cheered Pauline up no end ❤️

I wouldn't worry about being a safegaurding risk - even if you are reported I'm sure it will just be a quick chat, and it would be a good thing they are doing their due diligence ❤️

Thank you for the reassurance, just seen Pauline again briefly. Visiting hours don't start until 2 and she was having her lunch but I was allowed to pop in with the kids to drop off a paper (got her a Times and a local paper which she said was ideal).

She has been moved to a really lovely, quiet en-suite private room with a great view which she is very happy about. She was sitting in a chair by the window with her pillow behind her, wearing her new socks 😊

She said she wanted to phone me but her battery had died and asked if I'd get her a new charger and she will pay me back. I guess the other person didn't manage to get it to her.

Nobody asks anyone their business nowadays, especially in hospital,

’Pauline’ will already consider you her friend, so if nurses ask, she’ll say her friend is coming in.

I think you’ve been genuinely kind and caring. This world is a better place for people like you, not to mention you’re showing your children how to be compassionate.

Lovely news, and now you have another reason to visit,