For those who was discharged from St Thomas's in London

[bernieembleton]

After a long process of making a complaint to St Thomas's, about my discharge from the Lupus Unit, by a certain doctor who I have never met, and after nearly a year, the Ombudsman have found the doctor and St Thomas's, to have failed me. The ombudsman has upheld part of my complaint,, and put recommendations in progress. I was unable to discuss the matter until after the investigation. I await a reply from St Thomas's. For all of those patients who was discharged and left with no consultant care, should go down the complaints procedure, taking it to the Ombudsman, if all channels have been exhausted. How many more patients have been failed?

[Hidden]

Very encouraging news. Well done for continuing with the battle. I hope they resume the care that you need

[bernieembleton in reply to Hidden]

No I have been seeing Prof Hughes, but looking to be transferred to a consultant in Yorkshire. I just thank God I was able to see Prof Hughes. Other wise I would have been left high and dry.

[MaryF Administrator in reply to bernieembleton]

Well done, I frequently mention on here that patients should give feedback, in particular if they have a positive experience, as often people forget that bit, if I have very good care at any of my hospitals either for myself or the children I leave feedback, equally if it is not so, I will give constructive feedback outlining what went wrong and what could be improved. Also people can leave comments on NHS choices. Apathy gets people nowhere, well done for your excellent staying power. As you know as Administators, we certainly stuck up for the patients on here and continue to do so! MaryF

[bernieembleton in reply to MaryF]

Thank you Mary. I know you did. And what supportive group we have on her. x

[Manofmendip]

Well done, congratulations.

XXXX

[bernieembleton in reply to Manofmendip]

Thank you. It has been stressful, but I knew I had to follow the complaint through. It was bad medical practice doing this to patients.

[GinaD]

You were discharged by a doctor who had never seen you? Boy, does that smell fishy!

Ginz

[juliapulia in reply to GinaD]

Happened to me, too!

[Good4u]

Good on you for persisting & getting a result.

[bernieembleton in reply to Good4u]

Thank you.

[juliapulia]

Well done. Had the same experience and now have be ill for 3 months with heart/lupus condition - weeks in hospital. Ask your GP to refer you back. Dr you Know Who has retired. Best wishes - you are very brave!

[bernieembleton in reply to juliapulia]

Thank you. something had to said, has there is quite a few hundred patients who have been discharged, leaving them without specialist care.

[Carole-J]

Hello bernieembleton I was also discharged from St. Thomas' Lupus Unit by a doctor that I had never met. I am interested in getting in touch with the Ombudsman any advise on how to go about it please.

Regards CaroleJ

[tim47 in reply to Carole-J]

Well done. Does anyone at the Ombudsman's office express aview as to whether others in similar situation should follow up with their own complaints? Might such follow up help drive the message home?

[bernieembleton in reply to tim47]

They will only look at individual cases, and yes it will drive the message home, as St Thomas's are to be monitored now.

[bernieembleton in reply to Carole-J]

Hi, you have to go down the channels of complaining to the Chief Executive, if no joy there you can get the address of the ombudsman on St Thomas's web site. You have to put your case in writing, that you was discharged by a Doctor you have never met or been under their care. Stating how vulnerable it has left you. Hope this is helpful.

[Carole-J in reply to bernieembleton]

Thank you so much you have been very helpful to me.

Keep well, regards Carole

[bernieembleton in reply to Carole-J]

You are welcome, and best wishes.

[Lure2]

Hi, It is funny but for me the word "Ombudsman" you mention is a Swedish word. Like Sjögrens syndrome. Sjögren was a Swedish eye-doctor.

Well done from Kerstin

[bernieembleton]

Thank you so much APSsnotFab. Like you and Mary, you all give very good support on the forum. For those patients who have been discharged, please do not give up. The Ombudsman is there to help you, and it's wrong that certain professionals bulldozed their way through, by discharging patients and then to take away, what was a Clinical place of Excellence. As APSsnotFab says. They have gone against NICE guidelines, and your LEGAL right to choose where you receive your care.

The OMBUDSMAN can only deal with individual cases. Do not be afraid. xx

[bernieembleton in reply to bernieembleton]

Ps The Ombudsman will give you support