I spoke to my mother today and she informed me about the way my father was treated after he had a fall a month ago. He is in his 70s and has unfortunately developed a habit of drinking, something we are aware of and try our best to support.
In February, my mother woke to find him downstairs, sat on the sofa with an extremely nasty cut to his eye, his glasses smashed and him in a very disorientated state. She took him straight to the hospital in High Wycombe.
At this point he was shaking and, as my mother has told me, confused. My problem is with what happened next.
My mum informed me the doctor was checking on him and made a comment that they could smell alcohol. I’m sure they could as my father does, unfortunately, have a habit of drinking through the day. Rather than offer support or discreetly speak to my mother, The doctor pulled a face and showed little interest. When my father was walked to the ambulance with a nurse, the doctor was observed to be standing, watching my father and shaking their head. A doctor. Someone who you are supposed to rely on to support and look after you. Not to look down on you or pass judgement. Not only did this show a complete lack of respect and care for my father but also for the lady who had brought him to the hospital after finding her husband in the condition that he was.
He had fallen and his head has smashed against a hard concrete floor (enough to hurt and knock out anyone). Whether it was related to alcohol, we don’t know.
I feel so ashamed and disappointed that my local hospital has a member of staff who acted in this manner. I feel it’s simply disgusting.
"I feel ashamed & disappointed"
About: Wycombe Hospital / Accident and emergency Wycombe Hospital Accident and emergency High Wycombe HP11 2TT Wycombe Hospital / Older people's healthcare Wycombe Hospital Older people's healthcare HP11 2TT
Posted by Hazelwycombe (as ),
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Update posted by Hazelwycombe (a relative) 4 years ago