"Mum's hospital experience"

Unfortunately I wish to express disappointment in my mum's recent hospital care.

She attended the GP with leg swelling and breathlessness. The GP recognised and referred quickly to to Hairmyres Hospital Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) as a blood clot was suspected.

When I arrived later, we were advised that tests had ruled out any blood clot and therefore my mum was discharged with a prescription for new analgesia which was in relation to a long term back problem. She was advised to return a few days later for follow up.

We attended on the day and as my mum's symptoms had not improved, the consultant ordered a CT scan which had not been done on the Monday. A nurse then arrived to insert a cannula without an explanation as to why this was required and I had to specifically ask. 

The CT scan then diagnosed a bilateral pulmonary embolism. She was discharged home on two weeks of heparin injections and advised she would need warfarin thereafter. 

She now only has two injections left with no follow up for warfarin which has led to us making phone calls between MAU and GP and us being told different things.

I feel the following needs to be highlighted:

1. The delay in the initial diagnosis of a PE as this could have been fatal

2. Lack of explanation with the tests being carried out and why

3. Poor communication regarding follow up treatment