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Very poor and premature discharge from hospital.

Posted By defenderhx43

"Very poor and premature discharge from hospital."

About: Intermediate and Transitional Care / Community Discharge Service Royal Victoria Hospital / Accident & Emergency

(as the patient),

I was brought to the RVH hospital Belfast recently after a fall. I have fourth stage myeloma and previously broke my back twice and fractured a femur. I was in agony but was made to vacate the ambulance stretcher and sit in a wheelchair.

After bloods were taken I was wheeled to A and E where I spent three hours in agony. I told a nurse I needed to lie down and she brought me into Minors. A CT scan could not show any spinal damage due to much osteoporosis and damage caused by myeloma. I was in agony.

The physio pronounced me fit to go home after three assessments. I had the greatest of trouble walking and was taking strong pain relief. I was discharged with no pain medication and was told there were no carers or respite or care home to go to. I had to climb 26 steps in my house to get to bed which took thirty minutes. The pain was indescribable.  One staff member commented that I'm only 59, so why don't I just go home? I was very upset and afraid and no one was interested in my well being. I never wish to go to hospital again.

I was assessed by physios from the community. They were so kind and professional.

I am bed ridden and need continual care.

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Responses

Response from Gillian McElhinney, Community Discharge Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust 5 months ago
Gillian McElhinney
Community Discharge Service,
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 23/11/2023 at 10:54
Published on Care Opinion at 11:00

Thank you for your very frank, and clearly articulated, account of your experience while in RVH. As manager for the physio who followed up in the community after discharge, I am aware of your journey and how much distress and anxiety this has caused and am truly sorry this has been the case.

I would like to assure you that I have passed on a detailed account of your experience to the teams and professionals directly involved while you were in RVH. Your story on this platform has also been shared with the ED department.

Your feedback will be used for learning and improvement and, if any additional responses are received by myself directly, I will try to ensure this is shared with you.

I am pleased to hear that your experience of our community team has been positive and I hope you continue to feel supported by them as your journey to recovery continues.

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Response from Linsey Sheerin, Divisional Nurse, Urgent and Emergency Care, Emergency Care, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust 3 weeks ago
Linsey Sheerin
Divisional Nurse, Urgent and Emergency Care, Emergency Care,
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 12/04/2024 at 16:57
Published on Care Opinion at 16:57

Dear defenderhx43,

My name is Linsey Sheerin and I am the Divisional Nurse for the Adult Emergency Departments at Belfast Trust. Thank you for sharing your experience on Care Opinion. From the outset I want to sincerely apologise for the delay in responding to you. I am saddened to read that whilst in our care that you pain was not adequately managed, that you were not discharged with analgesia and that you feel that your concerns regarding your ongoing care needs were not adequately address. This is not the experience we would wish for anyone to endure. I plan to share your experience with the wider team for reflection and learning.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your care further, please contact PatientExperience@belfasttrust.hscni.net

I sincerely hope that you are currently well

Linsey

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