Closed Ward...Mixed Messages.

[beattiebill]

Well I'm not sure who is making the decisions just now but there is certainly a lack of clarity and different rules in place. This morning I had to go online to book a 1 hour slot to visit my wife in hospital, I then had to take a Lateral Flow Test and send the result to HM Govt. Without a shred of evidence they accepted my declaration that the test was negative.After a pop into my local supermarket where almost nobody was wearing a mask I got the bus and at a rough count only about 50% of passengers were adhering to Transport for London rules that face coverings are mandatory. It seemed to me that the Elderly were more likely to wear masks than the young. On arrival at the hospital I had to show confirmation of my pre booked visiting slot and confirmation of my self declared negative test result before being allowed entry. I got to the wing and was refused entry because someone on the other side of the ward had a positive covid test. My wife couldn't walk to the main door to see me due to tubes etc so it was a wasted journey. I am pleased to see the hospital taking all precautions but I just wondered how do we square the advice that we have to live with covid and at the same time keep people safe. The reaction, thankfully, of the hospital staff to a threat shows me just who does and who doesn't listen to the science and who cares more about people than position.I shall try again tomorrow.

[skischool]

Yes it is baffling at the moment and different trusts appear to be operating to different processes but in your case i am glad that the hospital treating your wife seem to be in control and are caring for their patients in the manner that they deem best and i hope that she is comfortable and will make a full recovery in the near future.

best wishes

Ski's and Scruff's

[Jaybird19 in reply to skischool]

Is there any significance in the chosen date?April 1st

[beattiebill in reply to skischool]

Thanks Ski's, I booked another appointment for today but my wife just told me that the whole ward is being moved so I'm going to phone and check before I set off.

[Hidden]

Aww, how disappointing for you both, and when you’d made the journey. You’re completely right, a major flaw with the LFTs is you can say what you like about the result. Anyway I really hope your wife is home with you soon xxx

[beattiebill in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply, I'm making sure to ring the ward first today,apparently the whole ward is being moved.xx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

It's very confusing at the moment, but it's nice to hi ear your wife is being well looked. after. I hope she recovers soon and returns home very quickly. Hope you get to see her today. Have a goodnight and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌹

[watergazer]

Thank goodness the hospital is taking Covid seriously. It’s a pity there isn’t a system in place to advise you not to turn up as the ward was closed to visitors. I hope your wife recovers quickly and is back home with you soon x

[Hidden]

Sorry you didn't get to see your wife but I am glad that the hospital is being cautious. I hope she will be home with you soon.

[sassy59]

Hoping you get to see your wife. See if you can check if that’s possible today. The hospital are doing the right thing. Hoping your wife makes a good recovery. Xxxx💜

[beattiebill in reply to sassy59]

Thanks sassy, I'll make sure to check what's happening before I set off. She's on a surgical ward so it's right that they take all precautions xx

[Badbessie]

From a infection control point of view this I believe is what Boris calls getting back to normal! From a practical view you cannot carry out many routine procedures in hospitals if there is a risk of infection. Personally I cannot see the backlog being reduced until covid levels are vastly reduced.

[beattiebill in reply to Badbessie]

Yes Badbessie, seems now that the whole ward is being moved to another floor, she's on a post surgery ward so the risks are obviously higher and I'm sure this will have a knock on effect for people waiting for surgery.

[Patk1]

I do hope u r able to see yr wife soon x

[beattiebill in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Patk1.

[knitter]

What a shame , I hope you can see your wife soon .It’s good that the hospital makes such a necessary effort with Covid control , but I do feel for you both.

Sending best wishes .

[beattiebill in reply to knitter]

Thanks knitter, I'm hoping to get to see her today. Thanks for your wishes.

[Greenthorn]

Hi Beattiebill, I'm a hospital volunteer at UCLH and this kind of scenario can present itself at any time. But in my case, as a visitor, I can switch to another ward most times. Sometimes a patient with a positive test result can be moved to a side room, or a COVID designated ward. Are you able to phone a number on the ward to check for three green lights before making your journey? The status of the ward should be known at the ward reception desk. Good luck!

[beattiebill in reply to Greenthorn]

Thanks Greenthorn, and can I say a huge thank you to you and all the volunteers at UCLH for the time and commitment you all give unselfishly. UCLH saved my life 3 years ago when I had a ruptured brain aneurysm and every single person at UCLH and Queen's Square will always have a special place in my heart. I will phone the ward today and hopefully get to see her.

[Greenthorn in reply to beattiebill]

Many thanks for your kind comments. We are a great team of volunteers at UCLH. You didn't say which hospital your wife was in. If she is in UCLH main tower,and you are unable to see her still, then do let me know. I might be able to pass by!

[beattiebill in reply to Greenthorn]

Thanks Greenthorn, my wife is just up the road at the Royal Free, but appreciate your kind offer.

[cofdrop-UK]

What a bummer - so sorry. You would think since you had an appointment they could have text you or i form your wife so she could contact you, given that they knew in time to do this. Get well soon Mrs. beattiebill.Cx

[beattiebill in reply to cofdrop-UK]

Thanks for the kind words cofdrop, I'll try again today and will pass on your kind words x

[katieoxo60]

Your post is very positive , but also notes some of the risk still around. Hope you get a visit tomorrow to see your wife. Take care when out and about.

[Izb1]

Glad that the hospital your wife is in is still keeping to the guidelines, it at least keeps your wife safe, although its a pain in the bum for you travelling all that way onky to find you cant go in. I do hope you will have better luck today, wish your wife a speedy recovery x

[Beth1949]

Sorry to hear that you went thru all of that and still was unable to see your wife.

I live in the states and rules differ from state to state and even from city to city. Also, the rules change on a daily basis. I just wear my mask when ever I go shopping.

We don't travel outside of the states any more. The paperwork and testing is a nightmare and other countries have more and more rules.

I would like to think that in another year, we would be close to being in the pre-pandemic time, but that's what I said a year ago.

Take care, Beth