My mother came to the a&e after a fall. She is 80 in a few days time, disabled with a bi lateral club foot. She walks with difficulty and has to use a stick. As she has broken her right arm she can't use her stick. After plastering her arm the doctor made an appointment for her at the Royal free in London. She told them she couldn't get there as she couldn't walk easily or drive. The doctor told her to get the tube and its only a few minutes walk from Belsize Park. Why would they think that was even possible for A very old, disabled lady who can't walk!!!
She asked if she could go to Chase farm or Stevenage instead as she was able to get a lift to either of those hospitals. She was told she could only go to Stevenage if she went there and then, it was already really late. The doctor was surly and unappreciative of her mobility issues. Her appointment was around 3.30 and she waited for approximately 4 hours at the hospital between X-ray and the doctor, she was in pain, hungry and tired, she lives in her own so her friend who is also 80 , had given her a lift but was also very tired so that wasn't an option.
I have just come off the phone with her, she is really upset by the experience and she doesn't know how she's going to get to London tomorrow morning . I told her to call the appointments and tell them her situation and hopefully they will be a little more considerate. I felt I had to comment as my mother was treated without any thought for her age and abilities and has been left upset.
"Inconsiderate treatment if an elderly disabled..."
About: Barnet Hospital / Accident and emergency Barnet Hospital Accident and emergency Barnet EN5 3DJ
Posted via nhs.uk
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