We’ve just had a weekend of close involvement with our wonderful National Health Service – a drama wasn’t turned into a crisis, and what potentially could have been even more upsetting all ended up alright.
One of the family became unwell after we’d all gone to bed. They headed to the bathroom and then not only were they ill, but their head came in violent contact with the radiator. The two of us who were merely witness to this dramatic and unfortunate event got them back into bed and it was more than clear they needed proper attention, and 999 was dialled. We only live a ten minute walk from the excellent local hospital so it wasn’t long before an ambulance rolled up, and two fine young paramedics leapt from their vehicle and bounded upstairs.
It was obvious that a visit to the hospital was needed and the patient was assisted downstairs and into the ambo, and I went too, carrying a hastily packed bag. It wasn’t long before we were unloaded at the other end, but as ever A&E was busy even at this time in the early morning. A trolley bed (I don’t know the tech term) was available and the injured party was transferred.. It was quite busy, there were other patients with a variety of difficulties – terrible pain, falls, injuries… We waited for a while and then were wheeled into a bay and a member of staff made a quick assessment. There needed to be X-rays and other tests as well as immediate medical attention, The injured party was admitted and I was able to stay with them until they were taken through the silent hospital to a ward. I put their bag in their locker, kissed them goodnight, headed out of the silent hospital and walked home through the sleeping streets.
Thank goodness for mobile phones – we were able to keep in touch and the next morning i was able to wander back to the hospital to see the wounded one. They were feeling fine, obviously tests needed to be done, scans etc. but they had had a good breakfast (they like hospital food, it reminds them of school dinners!) they had been well looked after, and although the head was sore, very sore, they weren’t in any great discomfort. Fromm time to time they were wheeled away on their bed for x-rays etc, and i was able to accompany them. All the staff, medical, nursing, cleaners, trolley-pushers, technicians, were kind, cheerful,, professional, polite. Back to the ward and lunch time! And so the day progressed and I walked home again in the evening, thinking how fortunate we are to have such an excellent system and service.
Today, after breakfast, more tests/observations, lunch, more consultation, the patient was deemed ready and able to be discharged. Walked home to get the car and son to drive it, back to hospital, final paperwork completed and we left the hospital and came home for a nice cup of tea, It had been a horrid and unfortunate thing to have happened. Because of it we missed the funeral of a very dear friend, and were unable to go to Portsmouth for a four day holiday to meet friends, but all is well, and the wound is healing nicely.
Aren’t we so very lucky to live here where our health service is so good and the people who work in it are so caring, professional, hard-working and kind!
