In Dec 2009/10 my then 88 yr old Father underwent an operation for a hernia at Shepton Mallet Hospital. He was admitted at 12.30 where upon I left him in their care for the procedure. At 2.30 I was telephoned at home to come and collect him ASAP. I could not believe what I was hearing - start to finish 1 hour and 40 mins.
On my arrival at the hospital - some 30 mins later my father was dressed and staggering towards me with blood all down the front of his jacket. I looked at his hand and found that the canula was still in place. He had been left alone to get dressed still in a confused state - my dog gets better treatment at the vet!.
On the following day in great pain from the operation I had to return my father to the hospital, as certain things were not looking right. It was a bitterly cold night, not ideal for a man of his years to be out.
The registrar took a look at him and called the surgeon out, and to be fair he came out straight away on a sat night. But whilst waiting for him to arrive I couldn't help but notice rows of empty beds.
He was examined again and sent home on a freezing cold night and in much pain - where is compassion? Is this caring for our elderly on the NHS? I don't think so! What happens to all the poor old folk who don't have a son or daughter to fight their corner? I shudder to think.
Yes I did fill in the questionnaire sent by 'Shepton Mallet Hospital' following Dad's treatment and I told them the same story. Alas, no reply - not even an apology! What is the NHS coming to?
"Where is the compassion?"
About: Somerset PCT Somerset PCT Yeovil BA22 8HR
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