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"Heart surgery"

About: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

(as the patient),

I'm not sure if anyone will take the time to address this. After my recent experiences I'm not hopeful I will ever feel normal again. 

I started to get out of breath overnight and went to my GP who said it was a chest infection and I was given antibiotics. Following this there was no change so I was given stronger antibiotics but still no change so I went to A+E  and found out it was a problem with my heart and high blood pressure. Once a few procedures were done and my blood pressure was a bit better I was discharged and told by one of the nurses that I needed to be moved because the cost I'm causing on the heart ward and a surgeon said I would be operated on within the following 2 months. 

I was given a letter with a date to go back a year later and trying to contact the surgeon to ask why was impossible and so was making a complaint. Then I received a letter to say go back in 6 months so I did and I was told that my heart was improving I now have a different surgeon who will be taking this on and it isn't much of a problem. Following this appointment I had another one where they told me I needs to see a dentist I expressed my fear for dentist but that didn't seem bothered and told me to book a appointment which I cannot do because of the heart pulpatations and fear I have just entering the place and the smell of the dentist. My consultant has again changed and I am not even sure who is going to be operating and who I need to speak to for any concerns. 

I received a letter although I was told I wouldn't be seen till early 2019. I went pre-op and it wasn't that reassuring at all. It was someone different again and I am still unaware of who will be doing what. We spoke about different options for surgery but not the dangers that come with them like if you smoke and I felt like the option was chosen for me.

My breathing and energy levels have been deteriating yet then wanted to do a breathing test for the amount of anaesthetic I would be given which won't be for several months but I feel that it'll be longer because of the false promises I feel I have been giving for this operation and I was told again I need to visit a dentist and have a teeth check done before my operation which I still can't bring myself to do. All my teeth procedure have been done under anaesthetic and I feel like I am not receiving any support with this so must I stay like this forever having my heart and life deteriating like it has done. I was sent to get a blood test done and I thought the place looked dirty and the position I'm in at the moment I am not in a position to risk becoming ill any further. 

I hope this can be brought to light because I don't feel that the NHS complaints procedure is straight forward and helpful as the claim to be and I have found the PALS service is just as hard to get in touch with and actual try and receive any help I feel I am fighting a losing battle. 

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Responses

Response from Laura White, Head of Involvement & Participation, Experience of Care Team, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust 5 years ago
Laura White
Head of Involvement & Participation, Experience of Care Team,
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 29/11/2018 at 17:41
Published on Care Opinion on 30/11/2018 at 09:48


Dear Heartpatient1969

Firstly, please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to your comments.

Secondly, I have read your comments and I am very sorry to hear of the issues you have been having. Please can you contact the Patient Support Service on 023 8120 6325 or PatientSupportServices@uhs.nhs.uk. A member of the team can discuss your issues and see if there is anything they can do to assist you and should you wish to raise a formal complaint they can talk you through the process.

Once again, please accept my apologies for the delay in responding to you

Kind regards

Laura

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