I am the wife and sole carer of a severely disabled 77 year old who requires fairly regular transportation to various hospitals (mainly Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion) to have treatment for a cancerous tumour. He requires a two-man ambulance crew with a carry chair to facilitate his descent down one floor with a view to transferring him to his specially adapted wheelchair.
On two occasions we have been informed that his wheelchair had not been booked on to the ambulance resulting in their being unable to transport him (this despite my having checked (twice) that the hospital had definitely specified that the chair was required and had to be transported on the ambulance). On the first occasion, after some negotiation, it was agreed that, at my suggestion, the folded wheelchair could be transported with my husband using one of the ambulance seats which, considering the extent of his disability, was extremely difficult, uncomfortable and inconvenient for him. On the most recent occasion the same arrangement was eventually agreed but, this time, there was no room for even the folded wheelchair! This meant using one of the hospital wheelchairs which was totally unsuitable in his condition.
I attach no blame to the ambulance crews for this debacle - they did all in their power to be of assistance. It seems that the fault lies with the whatever kind of organisation arranges the allocation of transport.
"Helpful crew but poor communication"
About: Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion Edinburgh EH3 9HA Scottish Ambulance Service Scottish Ambulance Service EH12 9EB
Posted by Evita (as ),
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