Process when admitted to hospital by ambulance

[partystress]

Called ambulance for DM as DF thought she might have had a stroke. He called to say they'd arrived, done lots of assessments in the house and concluded probably not a stroke but had taken her into the ambulance for some tests. He said he'd update me when they reported back.

That was an hour ago and there's now no answer. They don't have mobiles and DM has only just been discharged for palliative care at home having had cancer diagnosed, along with blood clot.

I assume they've taken her in. How soon could I ring the hospital to find out where she is? Sorry if dumb question, feeling panicky as am 70 miles away and shattered and so don't want to drive unless I have to.

How worrying for you and I hope you hear good news soon.

It will depend on how urgent she is classed as being when the ambulance arrives at triage. She will be treated exactly the same as anyone else who walks into A&E (arriving in an ambulance doesn’t allow you to queue jump) so she could be seen before everyone else or she could be waiting her turn. If she is waiting, the paramedics will be with her and helping her if needs be.

Thank you. That's a relief to know the paramedics stay. Having done A&E with her three times in the last month in the daytime, I couldn't bear to think of her and dad navigating it alone at night.

Hospitals can be huge and daunting at the best of times, let alone when you are worried and unwell.

I don’t think there is any harm in calling now to see if she has been admitted. I hope someone is able to confirm once you get through.

You can ring a&E reception and ask if she's been admitted. She may have been taken straight through to be assessed.

Thanks for the advice. She is still in ambulance assessment area waiting to be seen... trying hard not to be cross with DF for refusing to learn how to use his mobile.