Friday, November 23, 2007

Waiting Room

My mum rang night to tell me that my auntie had a stroke yesterday. At that point they couldn’t tell how severe it had been but should know today, so I’m waiting to hear back. I feel rather numb but am trying not to think too much until I know what is happening. But one thing has stuck in my mind.

Last year my auntie was seriously ill with bowel related problems and caught both types of hospital superbug during her stay. She has never made a full recovery and has been feeling very sick again in the past couple of weeks. On visiting her doctor last week, he commented ‘Well, you’ve certainly had your money’s worth out of the NHS’.

My auntie has lived and worked here all of her life, contributing to the system. She has never been ill before last year and on entering the hospital to receive the treatment that she had been paying for all her working life, she caught not one, but two killer infections. Not what I would call ‘getting your money’s worth’.

I was angry enough about this when my mum told me that last week, but now I’m livid at the thought that this is what passes for healthcare – the word ‘care’ is sadly lacking.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear the news about your aunty. Thinking of you...

With all the recent nhs shenanigans with my dad I know just what you mean. Some NHS staff were amazing - dedicated wonderful caring profesional people who went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure things were ok and we couldn't thank enough.

Some were awful and rude - one example that springs to mind was the nurse who refused to do the necessary with my dad's chest drain so he could got to the bathroom for a wash. She told him he'd just have to wait as she had other more important stuff to do - this when he hadn't had a bath/shower for 10 days and relied on his trip tot he bathroom for a daily wash to feel human!

Roses said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your Aunty's stroke. What a bastard of a doctor to say that! He probably never even thought when he opened his mouth that he was being a complete dick.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for your aunts recovery.

thoughts running through my head.... said...

sorry to hear about your aunt SD,I had a similar thing this year with my Auntie.As for that doctor-I'd report that cheeky f**ker!

SandDancer said...

Thank you. So far we've just been told it was a large stroke and there is no sign of her being able to use her right arm and leg or to speak but apparently this could be restored with time, so it is still a case of waiting.

M said...

So sorry to hear about your Aunt. Well wishes her way and prayers to your family.

Miss Forthright said...

Sorry to hear about your aunt, SD. X

Carlito86 said...

Hope everything is alright with your aunt, and you. xx