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"Treated Worse Than A Dog."

About: Leighton Hospital

My mother was admitted last Sunday night at mid-night with breathing difficulties. Ambulance superb, no problem waiting for short time in a&e line of trolley's. Dr saw her, went through symptoms etc - did not prescribe anything to relax her or aide breathing - very distressing to watch. . After couple of hours inactivity she was placed on the same trolley into clinical decision unit (this is the name given to the room where patients are stored to ensure trust do not breach govt waiting times. Mum was still in distress at 4am, still on a trolley. We where then told hospital had no beds what so ever, she would therefore, stay in cdu - no or little heating apparent. At 5am she was transferred to a bed but not a ward. We assumed she would now be treated properly with either pain relief or, relaxant so she could breathe properly so we duly went home to try and get some sleep. Phoned hospital shortly after to be told she was now on ward 3 (acute medical). We arrived for the commencement of visiting 11am - mum had still not been treated. Fantastic consultant then saw her - immediately prescribed relaxant and morphine - I think consultant was quite shocked to see some one in such distress. Mum was discharged on the Tuesday to st. Lukes hospice - they discovered a canular had been left in. She died Thursday morning in great comfort and no pain thanks to the incredible care from the team at st. Lukes. Leighton a & e hold your heads in shame. You are meant to be medics who joined the profession to care. I have sent comments to Jeremy Hunt also.

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Responses

Response from Leighton Hospital 9 years ago
Leighton Hospital
Submitted on 10/02/2015 at 13:24
Published on nhs.uk on 11/02/2015 at 00:01


I am very sorry to read about the experiences you have described in relation to the care your mother received in our emergency department and ward 3. Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother. Whenever we care for patients who are admitted to our hospital, then our intention is to always provide compassionate and effective care. I am sorry that this was not your experience. We have now received formal contact from you and are investigating the issues you have raised. We will respond to you in writing as we have agreed but will be happy to meet with you to discuss your concerns face to face should that be convenient at any time. Jayne Hartley, Deputy Director of Nursing and Quality

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