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 really sweet and kind of you. She'll be really pleased you checked up on her I'm sure.
I did this once when an elderly lady got lost round my area, I knew her address so went to visit and check up on her. She had a youngish male carer and seemed fine, but she was happy to see me. I also kept in touch with the ladies I was in the ortho ward with. You sound like a really nice person!

I know this sounds a bit woo, but I think Pauline was sent to you for a reason.

Perhaps you could ask the receptionist if he/she could phone the ward to see if the staff would ask her if she'd like a visit from the lady who helped her when she fell?

As long as you aren’t asking for money or bank cards or trying to transfer ownership of her home to you you’ll be fine!
People used to watch out and help each other much more. You’re not only just doing an incredible thing for her you’re boosting the serotonin of mumsnetters.

@Globalnuisance, or you could just read the thread.

Loving reading these updates @TheRozzers !

She has obviously really warmed to you, as you have to her. You have made such a difference to her stay in hospital. I think it's lovely that she feels she has some support and is comfortable asking you for help - and a reason to come back and visit her again.

You've showed nothing but kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness since your first post wondering whether it would be appropriate to check in on her and how she is. I think you're doing an amazing thing and each update letting us know how "Pauline" is doing is making my day a little brighter. Thank you

Thanks everyone. Just heading over with the charger. I feel okay about accepting money for that as she asked me to get it. The other things are gifts.

Got a busy few days coming up so I'm not sure when I can next see her but at least she'll be able to call or text me.

What a lovely person you are OP!

I agree that its perfectly fine to take money for buying her something she asked for specifically.

I bet you've really made her time in hospital more bearable. Well done you ❤️

Thanks.

I know this has been said many times already, but I think you sound like a wonderful person and I wish you a life filled with sunshine and rainbows.

Such a lovely thread

I was there nearly 3 hours tonight! DH is worried I’m having an affair 😂

Poor Pauline was looking pretty battered and bruised, her black eye is a proper shiner, but she’d managed to walk unaided today and is hopeful about getting home next week if a care package can be arranged.

I thought the end of visiting time at 8pm
and a nurse coming to take Pauline’s blood pressure would be a good time to leave but she was mid story and carried right on chatting.

We giggled a lot tonight. She asked me how I first found her and when I said I remembered her name and date of birth from the accident she said thank goodness it was me who stopped to help her and not a robber.

She thanked me a lot this evening. She said nobody has ever done anything like this for her before and she is so grateful. She asked if I will visit her when she gets home (of course!)

We agreed she will keep me updated about when she’s getting discharged and I can drive her home if necessary.

Loving these updates 🥰 @TheRozzers

Pauline sounds like a lovely woman. & This whole story sounds like a great plot for the start of a book or feel-good channel 4 series.

I think it’s a very nice thing to do . Some people say it’s weird but to my mind it’s caring ! The world is so pc now people are afraid to offend but kindness is not wrong

Oh just seen your lovely update . How nice to read such a positive out coming from being kind

Another lovely update!

OP you are an absolute gem. Your kindness is wonderful, the world would be a far better place if there were more people like you

OP you are amazing. What comfort it must be for her seeing a friendly face coming to visit her. I think this could be the start of a wonderful friendship 🥰

These updates are warming the cockles of my heart! 💞

You beautiful, beautiful human being ❤️

I think I love you OP

What a beautiful friendship this is turning out to be. Long may it last🥰

I rarely post on Mumsnet, but I felt compelled on this one! @TheRozzers your heart is huge and yours and Pauline's story has made my whole week! What a genuinely beautiful soul you are! x

A&E would be breaching confidentiality they shouldn't even tell you if anyone by that name has gone in. Which is frustrating as it sounds lovely you want to help her but understandable too as it's vital there's no breach of confidentiality in our healthcare systems even if it seems non sensical to those of us who just want to help.

Have you RTFT? Pauline was still sat in A&E when OP went to visit. No breaches of anything. Just a heartwarming story.