After many fruitless calls to the SS on Tuesday, yesterday we decided on a different approach. We contacted our local gp surgery (we are fortunate to have a modern purpose built medical centre in our village) - they had been superb last year when Ann had her diverticular flare up.
Despite that Uncle is not even registered there, after speaking to reception, the doctor called back about 30 minutes later. We explained the situation and he suggested that he come over to see Uncle.
He duly arrived and after an examination, said that he should really be in hospital and summoned an ambulance. He also said that he should not have been discharged without a care plan and if they called to ask us to collect him again, we should call the surgery before agreeing.
It’s 3am as I’m typing this - we were just woken by a call from the hospital. Uncle is very poorly - has internal bleeding from his kidneys and we should prepare ourselves for bad news
Sorry to hear this Jim. Fingers crossed that uncle recovers. Whatever happens though, it sounds like Ann and you and the GP did your very best whereas the hospital has taken a much riskier path.
Sounds like your GP is one of the good guys. Your hospital, not so much.
Here’s hoping your uncle pulls through and that the hospital does the right thing this time
The lack of social support post hospital is why beds are blocked, why A&E backs up and why ambulances are sitting for 4 hours with patients they can’t discharge. So many people who could be out of hospital are stuck in there, and (I’m certain) their outlook degrades significantly as a result.
Its not them that needs it though, is it? They have no money to do their job and have to make some awful decisions. Yes there will be some shockers working there but be honest, would you do their job on their money? No way I would. This goes right to the top, Sunak and co cutting local budgets year after year after year. Suing your local council just compounds it .
