Hi all, just a question of travelling if anyone can help? I’m on the waiting list at St Barts for an ablation and I was wondering how people travelled? I can get there by train no problem but would I be up to travelling back home by train or should I be looking at maybe staying in a hotel for a few days? It’s quite difficult as my partner will have to stay at home to look after our children, school etc so don’t really know what to expect.
Thanks
I think you need to talk with your GP or consultant. The procedure has obviously not been discussed with you. And advice from non professional may not be advised
Take care
As Foxey2 is not asking for advice I'll just talk about my experience.
They don't care how you get to the hospital but do on how you get home.
When discharged the nurse will want to walk with you to your car to make sure you do not drive it yourself.
The nurse will also want to advise your driver/carer or driver/spouse on your recuperation.
They will not allow you to travel by bus or train. A taxi is an option but as I said, the nurse will walk you to the taxi.
Travel home by ambulance is only allowed under certain circumstances so not available for small procedures such as ablations.
Thankyou, I did look into patient transport but as you say very unlikely to get that option. Looks like the children will be getting a day off school then, which I’m sure they won’t mind 🤣 I was trying to find a way that didn’t cause an issue as the children have had more than enough disruption over the last year
My ex boss had an ablation in London and I know he travelled home to Devon on the train where his wife picked him up.
After my last ablation, my son-in -law said he'd pick me up outside the hospital as finding a parking spot was a nightmare. The hospital was huge and no nurse helped me out. As I walked along a very long corridor, I suddenly thought that I shouldn't be carrying the small, but heavy case I had. I didn't feel right and knew I had to ask someone to carry it for me and I asked a young, very glamourous lady walking nearby, who was kind and happy to help. So that's what I 'm worried about with you, it's carrying your overnight case afterwards and getting through the hustle and bustle of large London train stations. What if you couldn't get a seat on the train and had to stand crammed with other people? Could you take a taxi from the hospital to the coach station and then catch one of those home?
Not easy is it.
Jean
My brother in law lives in Hertfordshire, he took the train to London for his ablation and got a taxi home next day, pricey but no other choice.
My experience is that I was advised return by train was acceptable but I must be accompanied. I was fortunate that my daughter was able to drive into London and pick me up on both occasions. She had difficulty navigating due to road closures on both occasions and there was nowhere to park. You don’t mention your children’s ages. Can their friend’s parents help you out?
CanHighly recommend getting a taxi through the hospital link in the foyer. Yes pricey but they know what their doing and you’re worth it! Bless you on your recovery.
I am about to go in to Hospital for an un-heart related procedure in my local Hospital.Today, they still have very strict rules for Covid testing beforehand, then three days isolation, and absolutely no public transport to get to Hospital. You can get assistance from Hospital transport.
I do understand you are mainly talking here about afterwards, where all the clinical issues you mention, are key.
I had an ablation at Guys in July. They arranged patient transport to pick me up and return home. I had to self isolate for three days before, so you cannot use public transport
Things change, I know, but there weren't any hotels near Barts when I worked there. I have couple of friends, much younger than I am!, who still work there and I could email them for info if you like. Otherwise (they won't throw you out until you are fit to leave and should ask you about your practical arrangements) if you can get to the railway station easily you can get a taxi on the ground floor to your station. I went home by taxi, but then I live in London so it was worth it, but very easy to get a cab. One of my friends works for Patient Services so the ward would probably ask her to see you if you needed advice. Let me know.
My husband had to travel 250 miles away last year for heart surgery , he was eligible for patient transport as he was in a critical way. 24 days later Post surgery they returned him to a hospital on the island we live off of Scotland but still 40 miles from home. A friend drove me and our 12 yr old son down to collect him - the excitement my son felt going to collect his Dad to bring him home was priceless. I would ask your partner and children to collect you - travel home in the comfort of your car with loved ones - you will be able to stop whenever you need to , enjoy treats along the journey but best of all your kids will see you - one day out to get their Dad will not harm them 😊
Having worked near Barts, I wouldn't recommend driving there unless the driver is used to London. If it's unavoidable, then I would suggest 2 adults come with you - 1 to drive, drop you off and find somewhere to park (pre-booking a car park would be a good idea), while the other comes in with you to see you settled, and similar going home. Alternatively, get someone to come with you, drive to somewhere outside the Congestion/ULEZ zones, park up and get a cab (preferably a black cab as they know all the hospitals) to Barts. You'll have to save up for the journey, as you need to be ready for quite long taxi ride charges and/or Congestion/ULEZ charges and parking. Good luck!
I am amazed that people managed to get so much help with hospital transport. In my experience hospitals are not interested in your travel arrangements and regard it as very much your problem. When I asked if I could have an appointment in the middle of the day in at the Freeman in Newcastle as I lived at the other side of the country and had to travel by public transport, the desk clerk replied frostily that “ we are not here to fit in with your train timetables,”. I have had 3 ablations and my daughter had to drive down from Scotland to get me home.As for a nurse walking you to your car- dream on…
After my replacement ICD I had to insist on an overnight stay rather than a 3 hour drive straight after the procedure.
London hospitals may be more obliging. I certainly was offered overnight accommodation for myself and my husband after an eye op. at Moorfields rather than going straight home on the train from Kings Cross to Carlisle.
If they are keeping you in overnight I would think a taxi, train and then being met might be a possibility but better if someone goes with you. I had a haemorrhage after one ablation.
Best of luck but hospital transport is no picnic.
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I also had transport problems recently for my CRT-D, so I understand your dilemma. My family are 150+ miles away and I was put in touch with Falck Ambulance. They are in London as well as Shropshire and I found them very helpful and accommodating. They also have a fleet of volunteers (usually ex-ambulance/paramedics) and they take patients all over the country, when they are unable to provide transport themselves. Do give them a try. Good luck with finding transport and with your procedure/future health as well.
I was an emergency two weeks ago as I had a DVT and they brought me home (ferrying several patients at a time).
Thanks for all your replies, i think I’m going to look into getting a taxi, I think it may be the easiest option. I better start saving now 🤣
I had mine at at George’s. My daughter dropped me outside the unit and then when I was ready for discharge she met me at the door where I walked and nurse carried my bag. Took 15 mins. You are not surprised to lift hence the nurse carried my overnight bag to the door of the unit. Have a think if your other half could pick you up whilst kids are at school I was discharged around 11am and ok to walk.
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