"Patient left in severe pain for over 3 hours"

My partner had surgery yesterday afternoon at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley in the West Midlands. By 7.00 p.m. it became obvious that her pain relief was not working. After becoming quite insistent, the staff informed me that they could not give her anything else, without first seeing a Doctor. Eventually, they informed me that they had bleeped the Doctor. As visiting time was due to end at 8.00 p.m. my partner, who was becoming more and more upset with the pain, asked if I could stay with her until she saw the Doctor, as at least, I was able to comfort her. They refused, and said that I could only stay until 8.30 p.m. When I left the Ward, I again enquired regarding the Doctor, whom was apparently in theatre. At 10.00 p.m. my partner managed to send me a text message. She was still in severe pain, and had still not seen a Doctor. When I then attempted to call the Ward they were not answering the phone.

As I have some knowledge in this field, I managed to speak to the Night Co-ordinator who intervened. My partner was finally given Morphine at 11.00 p.m. Some 4 hours after asking for help.

If she had not had a mobile phone with her, and I had not been so insistent........Who knows?

And this morning - The ward is still not answering their phone.Less than 24 hours after surgery my partner just wants to come home.