Concerned for my mum

[Jezabelle85]

Hi there

My mum was discharged from hospital on 17th March having had triple bypass surgery (CABG ) however, contracted an infection in the first week home. Since Friday last week she has been back in hospital and is making progress, albeit slowly.

I'm struggle with our local hospital/trust provider to even find out what the next steps are, in her current treatment, let alone be prepared again to care for her when she comes out of hospital.

Is anyone here able to advise on any provided services, that can support me in caring for mum and equally support her recovery?

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Sorry to hear about your mum. If there are issues the hospital discharge team should be liaising with the appropriate people for any care visits, district nurse visits, Meals on Wheels, etc. required. The problem is that since the start of the pandemic the system has been quite shake. Speak to the ward sister.

[francesw47]

Hello. I hope that your mum is beginning to show signs of improvement. Support once discharged is patchy across the country but in theory you should be able to ask to speak to the hospital social worker - if such a person exists in this day and age. As Michael JH says, in the first instance ask to speak to the ward sister who should be able to advise. Age UK are a source of information and support and if there is a local 'branch' ring them and ask how to go about it and also what services there are locally. Otherwise, phone social services and ask them what the process is.......but start with the hospital and local Age UK.Hope your mum is back on her feet again soon.

[Max1019]

I believe There is a cardio rehabilitation team assigned to wherever your mum had her op, and also at your local hospital. Ring them with your concern about lack of information and any questions you have. Your mum should have been given literature for follow up care before being discharged but as we know when these major events happen in life we aren’t necessarily able to take it in. It’s like being hit by a bus, the shock to your physical, mental and spiritual self it’s very tops turvy. There’s some good follow up stuff on line as well.

Don’t be afraid to keep asking until she’s able to do it for herself, you’re both worth it. You need the support as much as her. Look after yourself.

[Qualipop]

You may need to contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison) at the hospital and get hem to intervene for you. The discharge team should help or you can contact social services your self.