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"Mental health doesnt make me a liar"

About: Darent Valley Hospital

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I had an accident a week and a half ago. I am a single mum and very determined to continue with daily life no matter what may happen. I banged my head under the recess of my stairs. I was in so much pain the next day I rang 111 who called an ambulance. I was looked after really well from start to finish. It concluded in me being diagnosed with concussion and told if my symptoms worsen then to go back straight away or if my side went weak. This is where the treatment got worse ... I felt really ill the following day my side had gone weak my head was pounding neck and shoulder pain was really bad. I didnt go in as it was my sons birthday and the next day I got to the point where I had to come in friends had been over for my sons party ( I am stubborn and did not want to cancel) my friend rang 111 and I spoke to them arranged childcare and they called an ambulance when the paramedic arrived he spoke about my mental health straight away I know this had to be done incase I had done something but I was insistent that I was fine mentally but kept having questions fired at me, Including " what do you expect out of going to hospital" to which I replied That I was told to go back if I got worse and I didnt care if j didnt go in that my friends were concerned, its like I was lying to seek attention. When I got to a &e I was put in the bed assessed by a stroke doctor left with no pain relief again questioned on stress levels and things to which I replied things were ok and I was just in pain. I lay on the bed in a&e crying and being ignored if it was not for the fact my eyes were rolling and head pounding id of got up and left at this point. With no explanation I was moved to cdu again no pain killers and I felt like I couldn't call a nurse and ask because I feel like a nuisance. That night I was moved further up toward the desk as I had some kind of blackout episode. Later the following day the doctor came in and told me sit up look at him to stop rolling my eyes as they knew I had a head injury ( how am I meant to stop what I cant control) after that I got worse again but was left and some nurses seemed to look down their nose at me like I was wasting their time.. The cdu also called a psychiatrist who I agreed to speak with and she was quite satisfied with there being no reason for them to be involved. A bit later I saw another doctor and a neurologist who diagnosed function disorder explained it in one sentence and left. When I was discharged they gave me no painkillers or my other medication I had requested which I waited over an hour before being told sorry pharmacy Didn't order it. I am still suffering pain and I feel that I should of been treated far better then this even my family agree with me. Just because I have a mental health problem it does not justify the treatment and the rudeness. I am going to be making an official complaint. Oh also I was on a mixed ward for most of the duration.

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Responses

Response from Darent Valley Hospital 10 years ago
Darent Valley Hospital
Submitted on 17/06/2013 at 17:41
Published on nhs.uk on 19/06/2013 at 04:00


I am so sorry to hear about your recent experiences during your attendance to A&E and admission to CDU at Darent Valley Hospital. The experiences that you have described do not match with what would be the required standards of care and it sounds like you have had a very difficult time. I would be more than happy to investigate these events further should you so wish. This can be coordinated by making contact with either PALS (Patient Advocacy Liaison Service) or the Trust Complaints Team. Both could be contacted via the Hospital Switchboard on 01322 428100. Once again please accept my sincerely apologies for any distress that these events may have caused. Yours sincerely Deborah McAllion Acting Deputy Director of Nursing

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