I received a call from the hospital where my husband was treated with a ruptured aneursym and where he stayed for the first 7 week to say that they were investigating a report of man handling of my husband that resorted in injuries to his knees (I remember being told at the time that they were pressure sores but I am now told this member of staff was reported by 3 individual members of staff for her treatment of patients. The ward clerk said that the matter was stil being investigated but had now been escalated and that the member of staff had been interviewed. She could not tell me what the actual incident was (which has infuriated me) and I am now just losing the will to carry on with a constant daily battle for his care!!
I put in a formal complaint to PAL's requesting:
Why I wasnt informed at the time
What was the actual incident
How was a venerable adult able to be man handled
and the list goes on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PALS came back to say he will chase the investigation but I still have no answers and wonder where to go with this. I have several other issues that also need to be addressed
Written by
treetate
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7 Replies
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I won’t tell you or anyone what to do, but this is what I would do next:
Walk into the hospital and go to an ‘administrator’ in your husbands ward or to the person in charge. Then request an appointment/meeting for you and all of the relevant staff to discuss what could easily be, a very serious issue.
Once organised, prepare very astutely for this meeting by sitting down with your husband and jotting down every little detail of what’s happened and what you know about it.
Go to the meeting prepared so everyone knows instantly the severity of your situation.
Hopefully, it had nothing at all to do with anyone or anything at the hospital, but if it did, you can’t just take back what happened, but your input and subsequent revelation could be a call for action and help prevent others going through the same....
Yeah I get it, I do. But the reality is that in England, America or Timbuktu - people are still people and it doesn’t matter if they’re in hospitals or attending Church Mass, people of all cultures, sex and creed have good and bad qualities/characteristics and your husbands hospital is no exception.
What generally speaking, hospitals never expect is for a patient and/or loved one to stick up for themselves and have the audacity to confront the hospital head on, but you need answers and because you’re telling me you have already done precisely what i suggested - hunt down the truth and refuse to be turned away. You obviously love and adore your husband so I really, genuinely hope you get to the bottom of all this
If you have faith in the PALS worker I'd probably look to them to deal or help with this. My experience dealing with these type of issues is frustrating as it's like dealing with a amorphous sponge causing stress and frustration.
Alternatively you could seek the advice from a solicitor specialising in personal injury, PALS may have a list or you can use the Law Society web site to find one in your area:
You'll need to ensure they can deal with medical negligence.
I've heard some very bad experiences concerning TBI in a general hospital but not on a specialist Neuro ward. The problem appears to be similar to some of the reported events concerning Dementia patients, a consult told me this is due to a lack of understanding on the part of the nurses.
For heavens sake , as if you don’t have enough to worry about 😱. I just don’t know what to say except listen to the folks who are giving you good advice. This is just shocking and your hubby won’t remember it to help you . So sorry xx🏴
There are specific time frames to be adhered to when a complaint is received. Unfortunately I can't remember what they are. So I'd contact PALS again and ask what they are and when you can expect to have a meeting with the ward manager and matron/head of the department.
Your OH can also request to see his notes- if he is able to.
Please don't let this go keep ringing PALS until you get your questions answered x
Oh gosh, I can certainly see how worrying this is for you. The staff who came forward have done the right thing and brought the situation to light, and an investigation is underway. You have been to PALS. Clearly you have questions and rightly so. It may be that you did not know sooner as what happened, or the concerns have only just been raised. I am pleased that you have been contacted. Have you had a chance to talk with the ward manager? You should be able to talk with them about this situation and to ensure that your husband's care will not be compromised again. See how you go. Xxx
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