Overheard on newly set up (A & E linked) day ward, late in day. Ward staff seeking to send person home who had to return next day for scan.
Ward sister on phone; person can't walk; manages to get suitable ambulance transport through Red Cross (this hospital site is in a semi rural location serving a big county, but has poor transport connections).
Ward sister then asks about home circumstances: does person have wheelchair at home? (is in age cohort where might have, but this person isn't permanently disabled, has temporary medical condition severely limiting mobility)
No, person doesn't have wheelchair at home (unsurprising). Not sure how this scenario resolved as distracted by giving attention to my own relative.
Suggest: easy to hire lightweight foldable wheelchair community resource, either based at hospital or in 24 hour supermarket? (there is one of these on this hospital site) Patients can hire one like you do a hospital trolley; but with say £20/£50 deposit? If people haven't cash on them, a system could be devised? Any service is only as good as its weakest link: here a temporary wheelchair provision.
Person needing to go home.
"Temporary wheelchair provision"
About: Royal Bucks Hospital, Stoke Mandeville, A & E
Posted by BucksResident (as ),
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