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"Being a carer for my husband, on dialysis"

About: Royal Free Hospital / Clinical haematology Royal Free Hospital / Nephrology

(as a carer),

I live in North London and am a carer for my husband, who was taken ill in April 2010. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and suffered Renal failure in March 2011; he now dialyses 3 times a week.

The specialist Myeloma nurse was superb, giving support to myself and my husband telephoning me at home; this was not at a local hospital. My husband transferred to the local hospital in May 2011 to continue his dialysis.

The 12 journeys a day are exhausting and there is no help with transport, this is one of the hardest physical aspects and also very frightening if I am not well as it is imperative that my husband has his dialysis.

The emotional aspect is devastating; being isolated, feeling very alone and unsupported; despite various agencies out there, they don't seem to address one's needs.

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Responses

Response from Julie Coombes, Communications Manager, Communications, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust 11 years ago
Julie Coombes
Communications Manager, Communications,
Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 20/11/2012 at 10:57
Published on Care Opinion at 11:50


Hi Malka,

It would be worth getting in touch with PALS, our Patient Advice and Liaison Service, who may be able to advise or assist you in the various support options. PALS is located on the ground floor, in the hospital's main reception. Telephone: 020 7472 6446 / 6447.

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Response from Royal Free Hospital 10 years ago
Royal Free Hospital
Submitted on 10/01/2014 at 16:51
Published on nhs.uk on 11/01/2014 at 03:00


Thanks very much for taking the time to leave a comment, we are sorry that you have been fined after parking at the hospital. We would be happy to cancel this Penalty Charge Notice if you email us at rfh.communications@nhs.net We replaced our pay and display parking system for a pay on foot scheme on 14 October 2013. Pay on foot is more appropriate for a hospital environment as it ensures that patients can pay for the parking that they use and will not have to anticipate how much time they will require. In addition, the new equipment has enabled payment to be made by other methods. Whereas previously it was a cash only system, payments can now be received by card, cash, text or even by downloading an app. The changes to blue badge holder scheme ensure that the holder of the badge receives four hours of free parking close to the entrances of the trust and all we require is for the badge holder to register their attendance with the security or main Pond Street reception and their stay will be validated. They do not need to return to their vehicle and can just continue to their hospital appointment. This has created improvements for our car parking users, as it has created a calmer and controlled environment, increased turnover in controlled bays and removed abuse of the blue badge bays whereby previously vehicles had parked up for a day or even days at a time. In addition, blue badge holders are entitled to four hours free parking at the Royal Free, more than the three hours offered in local streets.

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