"Thank you very much to PALS"

Here's what happened to me:

1. I am an Italian national and my surname has been changed against my wish and my permission. I am over 18, my father is Italian like me.

2. Even though I am not known as Baker, at the time of being admitted to Basingstoke hospital as an emergency my surname was incorrectly registered as Baker against my wish.

3. I was not able to communicate my name. I asked the medical staff to let me write down my name, but the hospital staff refused. Then a Mr. Baker suggested using the surname of Baker. As a result my surname was registered incorrectly despite my protests. 4. On the consent form for the emergency operation, I first signed with my correct surname of Lazier. But then I was informed that I must sign with the surname of Baker because that was the surname mistakenly written on the hospital records at admission.

5. As the emergency operation could not be performed without a signature matching the name in the consent form I felt that I had no choice, but to concede to using the erroneous surname of Baker against my wish.

6. My surname should never have been changed into Baker. It is an incorrect name that I have never used.

7. As a result of this my daughter born with the surname of Baker only. This was for me evidence that I was obliged to put Baker in my daughter’s birth certificate. I now have huge problems amending my daughter's birth certificate.

My medical records have been now accurately and properly corrected, thanks to pals who helped me a lot. Without pals this would have been impossible. They supported me and helped me for a long time.

Suggestions:

1. Before changing surnames of patients make sure that you have their permission and consent, please. And when a patient sign an operation consent form with real name, if different from name on records, amend the form instead of making the patient using the wrong name.

2. Never close down PALS because they are a fantastic help, especially for foreigners. For a foreigner, not having PALS means dealing alone with very difficult things, like the one happened to me.

3. PALS are VITAL great help for patients.