I was told that my Dad was admitted to the hospital on 19/10/19. I live two hours away, I called the hospital to find out his condition six times during the day and into early evening. Each of my calls were cut off when the operator attempted to transfer my call to the correct department. The operator apologised and said there was a fault in the system. At 8.20pm, I received a text from Dad's stepdaughter to come to the hospital, that my Dad was dying. I arrived 20 minutes too late. Although there was no-one else waiting, I was told to wait until reception called me forward and I said I had come to see my Dad who has just died. A kind paramedic took me to see Dad's body. A kind doctor offered me tea. But I may have been with my Dad when he died if I had not been cut off six times, unable to communicate with department looking after him in A & E. It's inexcusable that, knowing I would be cut off again, my call was directed each time to a department with a telephone problem. It's poor that the operator did not have training or confidence to call me back or re-direct my call. I can't change the outcome for myself or my Dad but improvements should be made to avoid this happening again. There's really no excuse for it. Thanks to the paramedic and doctor in A&E for their kindness.
"Kind staff but communication problems"
About: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Worcester WR5 1DD
Posted via nhs.uk
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust