I had to chase up follow up care for my 89 year old mother after she was recently discharged from being admitted to University Hospital Monklands.
She was discharged on a Friday, her arm was in a sling.
On the Monday we had a visit from Occupational Health. They were happy that my partner and I were caring properly and that the house didn’t need any appliances or aids added. I asked about the steps giving access into & out of the house but was told that this is not a priority. I felt and said that this was preventing my mother from enjoying her garden, getting out for exercise, and making her a prisoner in her home.
After more than three weeks with no communication I tried to find out what was happening. I was passed from pillar to post with no one taking responsibility until after speaking to seven departments I was helped by a woman called Barbara from the mobile Physiotherapy unit of the hospital. I explained that all I had was the Discharge Report which stated that follow up plans would be discussed by the Trauma Team at Wishaw General Hospital, but that we’d had over three weeks with no communication. Barbara couldn’t find my mother on the system but promised to find out what was going on and call back. She was as good as her word. A physiotherapist called Kevin called and made an appointment.I am very happy with the response from the ambulance and the way the paramedics handled my mother. I am also happy with her progress from A&E to Ward 14 and her treatment there until discharge. I’m very grateful to Barbara who got me the follow up treatment. I’m happy with the visit Kevin had with my mother and his follow up arrangements.I’m unhappy with receiving no communication since my Mother's discharge from hospital. Why were we not made aware of the decision by the Trauma Team? I’m unhappy with the lack of support to get my mother in & out the house - what if there is a fire? I have contacted Social Services about this but not yet had my communication acknowledged. Please pass our thanks and appreciation to Barbara, Kevin, the paramedics and all who treated her during her stay in hospital.
"Follow up plans not being communicated."
About: Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance Scottish Ambulance Service Emergency Ambulance EH12 9EB University Hospital Monklands / Physiotherapy University Hospital Monklands Physiotherapy ML6 0JS University Hospital Monklands / Pre Admission Assessment University Hospital Monklands Pre Admission Assessment ML6 0JS University Hospital Monklands / Trauma & orthopaedics University Hospital Monklands Trauma & orthopaedics ML6 0JS
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