I am very concerned about the care of my grandfather at this hospital. I am a physician in the United States and therefore have my own view about my grandfathers treatment.
Our standard of care for E. coli bacteremia does not recommend discharging a patient on oral augmentin (coamoxiclav).
My grandfather was admitted to the hospital three weeks ago with an E. coli bacteremia from a UTI. While in the hospital they placed him on an oral antibiotic and he spiked a fever while on it so they switched him to meropenem. He was discharged AGAIN on oral augmentin for E. coli bacteremia once the blood cultures showed that it was sensitive to augmentin. This is not appropriate and he should have been discharged on IV antibiotics (such as Ceftriaxone) for E. coli bacteremia. Oral augmentin does not have good bioavailability to fight this infection, and everytime I told the physicians this prior to his discharge, my concerns were ignored. Now my grandfather is READMITTED, Two weeks after completing the coamoxiclav with ESBL bacteremia. While in the hospital they put him on oral augmentin AGAIN while awaiting blood culture results, this would be considered malpractice in the United States. He should have been kept on IV antibiotics prior to positive blood cultures showing ESBL.
When I call the nurses to receive an update, they tell me they are unable to tell me what medication he is on or speak to me further. When my relatives who live in England ask if a physician taking care of my grandfather can speak to me (remember I am physician in the United States), my relatives are told that the physician is too busy to speak with me. What kind of courtesy is that to a fellow medical professional?
My grandfather deserves better care than this, and my family deserves stronger communication. All I ask is that if I ask to speak to the physician who is taking care of my grandfather, that I be provided with that courtesy to speak with them and that I am heard when I do not agree with their treatment plan.
Staff attitude
Explanations
Involved in decisions
Being given time
Future plans
Doctor
Treatment
Being listened to
Responses
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