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Brother in law

Posted By Bothwellmum1810

"Brother in law"

About: University Hospital Wishaw / Emergency Department

(as a relative),

I would like to tell this story on behalf of my brother in law who was made homeless 3 days ago due to circumstances out with his control. 

 

He injured his hand in London and was admitted to the hospital where he was given a cast and told to return to see the specialist, he was then made homeless and had to come back to Glasgow to live with my partner and I. 

Upon informing the hospital in London they told him to present himself at wishaw A&E. 

bringing us to today, he was seen by a doctor. 

Who was polite enough until he mentioned that he was from London and the doctor changed demeanour and told him that they “weren’t a police officer” and couldn’t tell him what to do but if they were, they'd recommend he goes straight back to London. And then when by BIL asked for analgesia the doctor asked what he wanted, 

As if he was supposed to know what he should have. 

I understand that emotions are heightened due to Covid 19. But in no way shape or form is it appropriate for anyone to comment on where my brother in law should and shouldn’t be. He is a young man who has fallen into uncertain circumstances and he has came home feeling even worse than he did before mentally . This is ridiculous and I hope he will be dealt with accordingly. 

No one is moving in the UK unless they have to be and he is no different. Would the doctor see him homeless? Do you think it’s appropriate to make a patient feel this way? 

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Responses

Response from Rick Edwards, Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire 5 years ago
Rick Edwards
Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 03/04/2020 at 14:39
Published on Care Opinion at 14:39

picture of Rick Edwards

Dear Bothwellmum1810,

Firstly, please accept my apology for any upset caused during your brother-in-laws consultation at the Emergency Department.

I'm really sorry to hear of the difficulties your brother-in-law is experiencing just now; he's lucky to have your support at this challenging time.

Whilst I wasn't present, the question regarding medication would have been to establish what, if any medication your brother-in-law had been taking already to control his pain and to establish if it was effective. That said, it's really disappointing to hear how the interaction has left him feeling, this is clearly not the level of care and service we aspire to.

You are of course quite right about restricting movement and I hope your brother-in-law continues to recover and recuperate locally with your support.

Your feedback will be shared with the team in the Emergency Department for consideration and reflection.

I hope that any future interactions with healthcare staff in Lanarkshire are more positive.

Keep well.

Kind regards

Rick

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Bothwellmum1810 (a relative)

Not happy with this response to be perfectly honest, I feel really fobbed off.

I feel the doctor passed judgment on my brother in laws current situation and I was under the impression this wasn’t within their remit as a doctor. I was under the impression they are there to provide care and compassion and remain professional and respectful.

Am I wrong in my understanding of their role here?

Because this was not adhered to.

And as for the question regarding analgesia my brother in law indicated he was given no pain meds previously and the doctor said “well what do you want?”

You are failing to understand that I am now dealing with my brothers in laws deteriorating mental health, he feels that he was judged and that he shouldn’t be here. How would you recommend I deal with that considering it came from one of the doctors interactions?

Response from Rick Edwards, Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire 5 years ago
Rick Edwards
Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 06/04/2020 at 13:26
Published on Care Opinion at 13:26

picture of Rick Edwards

Dear Bothwellmum1810,

I'm sorry that you feel "fobbed off", we value and use all the feedback we receive both good and critical with our staff; it's important for us to understand why things haven't gone well or to plan so that we can improve.

I've spoken to my colleague Yvonne Ross In Patient Affairs at University Hospital Wishaw today and she'd be happy to hear from you. If you'd like to provide her with some details to enable a targeted feedback session with the specific staff involved.

Whilst I'm not in a position to comment regarding your question about mental health, http://www.elament.org.uk/ is Lanarkshire's first stop for online mental health and well-being resources providing information for people seeking assistance with mental health issues.

Yvonne might also be able to connect you with services. You can reach her by email patientaffairs.wishaw@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk or Tel No:01698 366558.

Kind regards

Rick

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