My wife has been discharged from hospital

[jointpain]

I must firstly say a big thank you to all that have replied to my last posts.

My meeting with the consultants was unimpressive as they were basically trying to cover their arses. The gastroenterologist didn't really remember my wife's history of numerous bleeds, blamed the on duty surgeon for not doing anything that they said would be done before she was admitted. Also wouldn't agree she continued to bleed after being admitted, even though between Friday night when her Hb was 82 and Monday morning when it was 60. The reason they gave for administering vitamin k was it was standard practice, they had no answer for giving tirlipressin three days after her endoscopy. The withdrawal of her meds was not treated as important, and the acquired infections because of the lack of penicillin for apparently over 30 hrs was not accepted by them. The gastroenterologist blamed the blood for the pneumonia as did at least one other doctor, yet the hematologist said the blood was sterile and couldn't have caused it. Though badly stored or travelled blood, or if stored for over 14 days the incidence of pneumonia is fourfold.

They both agreed that bleeding to death will be what will kill her, even though the gastroenterologist suggested using a coil and radiology department to seal the varices within the deudenum, if anyone knows of a hospital that uses this method please let me know.

My wife was told she could go home yesterday morning, the nurse said I could collect her at 3.30pm it was gone 6pm when I finally got her out as they didn't have the paperwork, in the end we just left, without the paperwork from the pharmacy. It's like they haven't a clue at doing anything at that hospital.

We are both tired.

[piggie50]

What an ordeal for you. I am so glad she is home. 💐

[jointpain in reply to piggie50]

So am l, the washing up was really piling up high😁 thanks for the flowers!

[piggie50 in reply to jointpain]

Ha ha! Now, I know you don’t mean that 😆

[Mostew]

Do hope you both have some support . What a relief for you for her not to be in hospital

[IrishSarah]

Great to hear that she’s home 💚

[JediReject]

Pleased to read that your good lady wife is home , hope she is comfortable, it must of been a traumatic time for you both. When medical care starts to go wrong it often seems to escalate as with both your poor wife my poor Brother in Law who was informed over the phone by someone who assumed he knew, that he is in the latter stages of lung cancer and was then put on the wrong oxygen level for a time amongst a number of other things which have been detrimental in his time of need. Regards - Chris

[mhos61 in reply to JediReject]

Unbelievable!

[JediReject in reply to mhos61]

Mary it truly is , his journey beggars belief as he was originally treated for COPD then Covid but no hint of cancer. He has a catheter fitted and got infection , went to hospital by ambulance to have it changed at A &E I think but they had no Catheters the same as his but instead of getting one from Urology they sent a taxi to his house to get one off his wife as they had a few for the nurses who come. He was there ages in discomfort. That's just one incident. I cant be too critical coz they're stretched to the limit and beyond but sometimes it seems the care falls short because of mistakes or poor judgement.

But they still save lives along the way.

Chris

[mhos61 in reply to JediReject]

Hi Chris.

Really sorry to hear of your brother in laws lack of appropriate care, it’s totally unacceptable. Hope he’s receiving a decent quality of care now?

I do empathise, I’ve experienced the negative effects on my husband’s care in the past due to an understaffed ward with many ill patients. I think it all comes down to poor management. Bring back the Matrons I say.

[Minu68]

Great news! Shame about so many avoidable difficulties with medical staff and having to be the specialist for your wife..Rest for you both, and plenty tlc x

[amhann]

Hello jointpain - so pleased for you that your wife home but do so wish you could get a referral + the support and treatment to give you some confidence with a new medical team. Very best. Anne-Marie x

[MPort]

I am very sorry to read your account of your wife's situation while in hospital. The one good part of your post was you could have a chat with the consultant. I know it was far from satisfactory and he probably won't investI gate your concerns. I wonder if there is an independent review body you could report the lack of care your wife received, if you have the energy. Our NHS has areas of weakness and neglect but they are rarely exposed. It might help you to do so although I expect your time is fully occupied looking after your wife in a far better way than the hospital did. And I hope you can take care of yourself too. Again I am so very sorry to read of your wife's experiences.

[ciye]

Wishing you both well.

[MaggieSylvie]

In my experience, paperwork is rarely ready by discharge time. I don't know why they tell patients they are being released at a certain time when they must be aware that the paperwork can't be done by then. Perhaps they are using the arrival of a family member as a trigger to get the paperwork done. Ha ha - does it really take more than two hours?

[mhos61]

You’re such a great advocate for your wife. I hope you can attain the best possible care for your wife going forward from here.

Without going into detail, I’ve had to advocate hard on behalf of my husband’s lack of ‘duty of care’ in a hospital setting in the past. I feel for you, as it’s beyond stressful to deal with this additional burden at what is an already stressful time.

You’re doing a great job. 👍

[IrishHiker]

Good to be home no doubt! Find another whole set of docs and network with others as much as you can. That sounded like the hospital stay from hell Good luck to you both <3

[harleydavidson]

Glad she’s home but so sorry you’ve both had such a bad experience x

[jillydabrat]

This sounds like you have lived through a nightmare. You both need some peace together for a while to get over this horrible ideal. Sending you all my love and hugs xx

[hunter5582]

Very glad to hear that your wife is out of the hospital. I am not surprised that the docs immediately involved in her care were avoiding responsibility for the poor quality of care. I hope she can recover now with the better care she will receive at home.

I would suggest that when you have both recovered a bit that you consider filing a formal complaint. As i recall your wife is receiving care through the NHS in Wales. Here is a link to the process. wales.nhs.uk/ourservices/co...

There are two steps. First contact your Health Board to file a complaint. if you are not satisfied with their response, file a complaint with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

Do this in writing or by email. Create a paper trail. If you send the letter by mail, use a registered letter so you have proof of delivery. If you send by email, use the verification of delivery function. Make it very clear from the outset that you are very serious about following through on this complaint and will do whatever is necessary to get your concerns properly addressed.

You are not the only ones in this situation. There is assistance available if you decide you need it to pursue having your concerns addressed.

bbc.com/news/uk-wales-polit...

glynns.co.uk/medical-neglig...

Inadequate care care only continue when it is tolerated. No one should accept the care you have described. Your wife deserves better.

All the best to you both.

[Cja1956]

What an awful experience you’ve had! Such insensitive doctors! So glad your wife is finally home. It sounds like you both need some rest. Your wife is very lucky to have you as her advocate. Best wishes,

Cindy

[Gipsy123]

Hi. The Health Service Ombudsman ( for whom I once worked) is a good organisation to know about. They have a remit to look at the whole NHS hospital process, so it avoids the buck passing and poor communication that so often leads to a poor outcome. The other organisation that can produce change is the General Medical Council - they have a ‘fitness to practice ‘ remit and deal with complaints about doctors.

Happy to be of any help if I can.

[azaelea]

I am so glad that your wife is now home in your care and after reading what the response from the so-called Specialists was I am appalled! I completely agree with what Hunter suggests when you are able to. The NHS hospitals must not be allowed to act like this with lives and this lack of care should be brought to attention. Best wishes to you both for a recovery and stress free time now. xx🙏

[Wyebird]

Hi you both have had an horrendous ordeal.I do hope things look up.

As for walking out without the paper work- good for you. I always used to think it was the doctor that held everything up but I agree with you it’s the pharmacy.