"Doctor unable to recognize pneumonia!"

I took my, very unwell, husband to see a nurse at 5pm on Wednesday. She thought he had the flu, but was concerned about him so asked the duty Doctor to see him. The Doctor seemed very rushed, just glanced at what the nurse had written, listened to his chest and said it was just the flu as his chest was clear. We returned home feeling the Doctor had been somewhat dismissive of our concerns. An hour later I found my husband unconscious on the floor in a pool of blood and vomit. I called 999 and he was taken to the RUH and diagnosed with pneumonia. He has been there now for five days, on intravenous fluids, antibiotics, oxygen and Tamiflu and is now starting to improve.

I really feel that we were badly let down by this Doctor. I do not blame the nurse, who did the right thing. The fantastic paramedic who came to the house heard a crackle on his lungs and together with low oxygen, dehydration and a high temperature knew he had at least a chest infection and needed to be in hospital. He now had a head injury as well, from the fall.

I am posting this because I do not want anyone to go through the experience we have been through this week,