"Lack of hospital after care, poor communication, disjointed services"

Admitted to hospital 1st time in Sept. whilst hospital care was good there were 2 issues that caused me stress.

Firstly told I’d go home in a taxi when I lacked mobility with 2 vertebral fractures and a lack of core muscles. Thankfully the consultant ensured I was safely sent home with ambulance services and a wheelchair.

Second issue was being told in hospital no NHS care at home despite the fact I could not walk unaided without a trolley, could not shower/ wash hair, do any cooking /eating/ getting dressed/other basic tasks without holding onto to something with one arm to support my back and be upright and was in much pain. I struggled and was in pain getting in and out of bed. I live alone and was shocked no temporary care could be provided. After asking how I could cope at home I was given a list of care companies to contact myself, I called 10 in hospital and none could provide temporary care services. I found this very distressing especially given the pain I was in.

After being discharged from 1st hospital visit I struggled with basic daily activities. I did not have a shower for 10 days and was unable to wash my hair for 15 days until I was readmitted to hospital in Oct as I was unable to get out of bed and was in serious pain.

After discharge a fe days later I found a care company who could provide private temporary care for showering, washing hair and basic tasks. I am still waiting to hear whether I will receive direct payment support to contribute towards the costs I am incurring ( having worked all my life, age 64 and paid my taxes I am shocked at the lack of support available).

Whilst my GP, and the district nurse have provided excellent care to me I have had no contact from community physio or OT. It transpires there has been no transfer of hospital physio/ OT care to the community since I left hospital and I only found this out on 23/10 from physio and 26/10 from hospital OT. This is poor communication- the hospital physio has emailed community physio and I am advised her urgent request will take 2 weeks. The hospital OT cannot transfer me to community OT.

I feel abandoned, am struggling with basic daily living, and shocked at the lack of after care post hospital and poor communication internally at NHS and to me. I have fallen over at home with my trolley.

I usually work and there is no plan in place to get me mobile, go up and down the stairs to my first floor home, walk outside.etc. I am isolated at home and due to my mobility restrictions I am at home 24/7. I feel badly let down by the NHS.