MCW vs The NHS

Viewing 20 posts - 1 through 20 (of 20 total)
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  • #11541
    MadcatwomanintheUK
    Participant

    This morning I finally had my long awaited meeting with senior staff at the hospital who made such a botch up of Mum’s long stay earlier this year.

    Chris (with me for moral support)and I were faced with three consultants (the nice one chaired the meeting), plus the ward sister, one of the staff nurses, a rep from PALS (Patient Liaison Service)and a rep from ICAS (can’t remember what it stands for, but an independant body), and the whole thing lasted just over an hour and a half – a full on hour and a half at that! It was more than a little daunting to start off with, but did end up going much better than I expected.

    In a nutshell, they held up their hands to virtually all the issues, and acknowledged that mistakes had been made. I only had to argue one point, and that too was eventually conceded – but then they didn’t stand much of a chance in the face of my notes, my diary, and my precise recollection of timings and events. The one remaining open issue is that of the (lack of) social services cover when she was discharged, and this time, it was their notes that were detailed, and it would seem that the fault may actually lie with social services – the hospital will conduct their own inquiry on this one and let me know.

    In short, the meeting was constructive and amicable, and they are looking to review, change and implement a number of things as a direct result of my letter. Woo hoo!

    I feel so totally relieved to have got this out of the way – I don’t think I’d realised how much the spectre of it was hanging over my head. What with that and the emotion of last weekend, and the ongoing hectivity at work – think it goes some way to explain how low I’ve been this week. I hope so – I don’t ever want to feel that bad again.

    Oh, and in case Neenie reads this – ‘fraid I went for the brown trouser suit option (it looked much better & I needed the confidence boost) – and I had new, sassy shoes to go with it!

    #68712
    MaxandCali’sMom
    Participant

    So proud of you, MCW. And isn’t it a load off your shoulders? God bless you and your family and I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Love, Jimmie

    #68713
    2 Popoki
    Participant

    Way to go MCW !!! Just shows me how important documentation is. My mom is great at that …. I’m not. I’m so proud of you ! Glad to hear Chris was along for support.

    As for brown… I had my ‘colors’ done years ago and was told that black is classy but if I want to make a statement -brown is the way to go. That works for me and apparently worked for you.

    #68714
    CatRancher
    Participant

    Happy to hear that is behind you MCW. It can be so complicated when you are dealing with social services and other health care providers, especially when you have such an emotional investment as your elderly Mum’s well being.

    Now…have a glass or two of wine and put your feet up (sans the sassy shoes, lol)!

    #68715
    MadcatwomanintheUK
    Participant

    The shoes came off at precisely 5.37pm CatRancher! – they’d been on since 8am, and although I think they did pretty well for a first wearing, boy did it feel good to kick them off! Alcohol is a bit off limits at the mo (virtual glasses excluded of course!), but I have done some serious damage to the emergency chocolate supply…

    One Popoki – I had some lovely charcoal grey trousers that I’d had my eye on, but they didn’t look as good on me as on the hanger! Brown is a good colour for me though, and if you feel good, it really helps your confidence.

    And MMM – thanks as always xx

    #68716
    gatakitty
    Participant

    Yee-HAH! Once again, the good guy (or gal, in this case) wins!

    Glad the hospital decided to be reasonable, but meticulous notes will defeat smoke and mirrors almost every time!

    MCW, this Newcastle Brown Ale (to match your outfit!) is for you!

    #68717
    Jo in Blairsville
    Participant

    Bravo to your acts of empowerment!

    #68718
    AZDEBRA 5/27 & crew
    Participant

    MCW, congrats on the successful meeting ;D

    #68719

    Cheers to you MCW. Glad another hurdle has been successfully surmounted. Yea to you!!!

    Hugs and purrs.

    #68720
    miu
    Participant

    Good for you! Congrats, you handled it great.

    #68721

    Well done MCW. Taking on the NHS or any group like them is always daunting, as they tend to close ranks against you. You have done brilliantly and it may help not just your Mum but others in her situation as well. Take a bow, and a large bar of Cadbury’s plus whatever virtual alcohol you fancy!

    #68722
    MadcatwomanintheUK
    Participant

    Hmmm – it’s definitely NOT a virtual hangover, today has been lost to the sofa, with a stinking headache, still nuked it with loads of drugs and am starting to feel better.

    Polly’s Mum – Rubia and I have a tentative plan (with no date as yet) to meet up for lunch – do you fancy joining in? If yes, can you let one of us have your email address?

    #68723
    MadcatwomanintheUK
    Participant

    …or if you’d rather, drop me a line on jenniferberezai at btinternet dot com

    #68724

    I have e-mailed you. Sounds like a plan…..

    #68725

    I’m so jealous that the three of you may get to meet. How wonderful! Glad to hear of your victory with the hospital, MCW. I’m sure you’ve saved a lot of families a lot of grief over the care their loved ones receive in hospital. Excellent results………..now rest up for your holiday!

    #68726
    MadcatwomanintheUK
    Participant

    Yes ma’am!

    We’ve pretty much organised our meet up, because We Are Women and Therefore Great (!) – for early December. And I have plans to take a few days extra before our holiday so I’m already wound down before we get there, and can make the most of the week away. You joining the nightshift tonight?

    #68727

    Sorry to have missed you on the night shift, MCW. I am at my sister’s house in Vancouver, Washington (state), visiting my niece and other relatives. This is the niece that lived with me and hubby for three months. It seems my brother can’t figure out how to parent her so he is moving forward with placing her in an adoptive home. Sad, but very much the better thing for her. My sister has found a wonderful family that know about niece’s very sad history and want her badly. We will be able to visit and stay in touch with her.

    #68728
    2 Popoki
    Participant

    That has to be a very hard to thing for your brother to do, and for you to watch KW. Good that you will be able to visit as you are still her family. HUGS to you !

    #68729

    Thanks, OP. It is hard. In her short life she’s never experienced having a parent she can trust or count on. I hope the adoption is successful.

    #68730
    Jo in Blairsville
    Participant

    Difficult situation, KW. Loving solution, though. You can certainly be thankful for that. Smiles….

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