Tuesday, March 10, 2009
On 9th February 2009 I had an operation on my right hand for carpel Tunnel Syndrome. The operation took place in theatre at 12.30. I came round at approx 2pm I was astonished to be met with the bed manager who asked me to vacate the bed at 6pm that evening, I was on a drip and oxygen and I was confused post operatively as anyone would be.
I explained that my medical records show that I am a paraplegic T7 Complete with severe spasms and I live alone. I explained this to her and then asked if the hospital would provide transport for me to go home, she replied the hospital did not do this, she went on to say Mr. Bennett would make a decision when doing his rounds later on. Neither Mr. Bennett nor anyone on the surgical side came to see me but a nurse arrived at approx 7.30pm and informed me I could stay the night but had to be out by 10.30am Sharpe! So at 10.30am I was dressed, and left outside in the corridor, waiting for someone to take me home, and was handed a discharge letter.
When I got home I tried to get into bed but was unable transfer from wheelchair to bed as I am right handed, the dressing on the hand was a light bandage with no extra support. The district nurse visited and on examination found that a stitch had burst. It was decided that owing to the fact I live alone, alternative accommodation should be sought as a matter of urgency.
She then rang the doctor, for a referral for a bed some place and one was found in Swinford District Hospital where I stayed until the 2nd March 09. I was there only one day when I picked up an infection in my hand.
As you can imagine I was distressed by this treatment and felt no one had really considered my condition and living arrangements. Approximately 2 years ago I had the same operation on my left hand and was kept for 4 days in hospital and was very happy with the progress my hand made despite picking up the dreaded MRSA bug.
When I was admitted to Mayo General I as swabbed for the infection but was never informed about the result. When I was discharged why was I not given a date when the stitches would be removed? It appeared to me that getting me out of the Hospital was their main priority.
What I would like to know is this the policy of the HSE West to treat less vulnerable people in society this way? As it upset me deeply, and caused me anxiety to my family and friends. I feel I would have reservations about having other procedures in this hospital in the future.
I await a reply
Tom
