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.

@TheRozzers
This has made my afternoon ❤️

Pleaswe keep us updated. I feel like I know you and Pauline and I often think of your towel! xx

Sorry to be sceptical OP, but I would tread carefully now.

You have made sure she’s okay which is lovely, but I think any further contact or friendship should move at a natural pace under the circumstances. The spending hours together/daily (?) contact and going over for tea and birthday gifts just seems like everything is moving at a really fast pace.

Ultimately you’ve only just met her, it takes time to build trust. She has carers. It’s okay for you to take a small step back.

So glad she is home and thanks for the update.

Thanks for keeping us posted!

I'm very late to this thread but it's made my day. You really are an absolute angel.

Poor Pauline.

OP, you are amazing!

That's great news. Hope Pauline gets much better now she's home. Is she in mumsnet?

You're a lovely person, OP

What a great thread, how kind you are @TheRozzers !
Yet it is also sad that there are concerns about how you might be perceived by the care system (stranger to her, aware she has no-one, thus potential for elderly abuse), even though you have been an absolute angel to her!
I hope proper introductions can be made to her care team and your lovely friendship can flourish 💐

@crampyi yes noted and I am very aware that I could be viewed with suspicion. I have been checking in with Pauline but following her lead re visiting.

I haven't seen her for about 3 weeks so I think tea & cake is okay.

It’s not necessarily that you could be viewed as suspicious, equally she may become dependent on you for example, and potentially later down the line expect something you can’t provide.

Yes I'm aware of that too. I work, have DC, a DP, volunteer, play sport, try and have a bit of a social life. I don't want to over promise and raise Pauline's expectations then let her down.

On the other hand we are neighbours and popping over for tea every few weeks seems achievable if she's up for it.

Great news, OP.

It's not nice being viewed with suspicion when you have only been great and helpful to Pauline but as your intentions are not of harm, you understand people would worry because she may be considered vulnerable. It will soon become clear to anyone who may be concerned that you only have good intentions.

A lot of our vulnerable elderly out there exposed to chancers with no-one to ask questions or protect them.

Thanks, OP, for the update.
It is lovely reading of the beautiful friendship you and Pauline seem to be developing.

I saw Pauline today. We hadn't arranged to meet, I was helping my DC with a charity bake sale and she walked past on the way to the shops.

I've got a lovely picture of her buying a cake from DD.

She's doing really, really well. So good to see her up and about walking and without the bruises although she needs to use a stick and is still having physio.

I'd previously offered to stop by and see her on her birthday but she said she had a friend visiting from another city so I'd posted a card and little gift which she seemed very pleased about.

She had a lovely birthday apparently, received lots of cards and her friend took her out for fish & chips.

She said she's like me to visit in September when the kids are back at school and in the mean time it sounds like the people around her are looking out for her.

Lovely update. Please keep us updated. I’m so glad she’s ok. One day you can ask her to replace the towel 🤦‍♀️

So lovely you're still in touch and that she's doing better!
Love to you both xx

Love this op. Friend for life xx

Glad she's out and about again!

So lovely you are staying in touch with her! I am sure having someone to talk to would have helped her a lot with her recovery.

How lovely! Sounds like she’s doing really well and you’re both building a lovely balanced friendship <3

This is lovely to read!!

And thank you for keeping us updated, it's really nice to know 😊

Lovely update OP. 😍

Glad you enjoyed the update 😊

Forgot to say Pauline was looking very glamorous when I saw her. She was in a Lovely dress and wearing lipstick.

I've only ever seen her in hospital wearing a hospital gown or the Primark nightie I bought her (as the doctors had to cut her clothes off when she was taken to A&E).

Seeing her in 'real life' was quite a transformation!

Just read this whole thread. What a wonderful person you are, and how lovely to read something so kind for once.