Obtaining Information From Hospital Staff
A 75 Year Old Lady rings her local NHS hospital and this conversation follows:
'Hello I'd like some information on a patient, Mrs Tiptree. She was admitted last week with chest pains and I just want to know if her condition has deteriorated, stabilised or improved?'
'Do you know which ward she is in?'
'Yes, ward P, room 2B'
'I'll just put you through to the nurse station.'
'Hello, ward P, how can I help?'
'I would just like some information on a patient, Mrs Tiptree, I was wondering if her condition had deteriorated, stabilised or improved?'
'I'll just check her notes. I'm pleased to say that Mrs Tiptree's condition has improved. She has regained her appetite, her temperature has steadied and after some routine checks tonight, she should be well enough to go home tomorrow.'
'Oh that's wonderful news, I'm so happy, thank you ever so much!'
'You seem very relieved, are you a close friend or relative?'
'No, I'm Mrs Tiptree in room 2B. Nobody tells you anything around here.
5 Answers
This is great Eddy! Having been a patient on many occasions and also because I stood by the bedside of several loved ones in a hospital, this really rings true!
Whether you are asking for information or aspirin, I have found it useful to anticipate needs in advance. If you think you may be in need of pain relief or even a glass of water four hours from now....ask immediately and your needs will be met on time. 
Whether this is a true story or based on a true story, I think it is an excellent plan which I will try in the future if the need arises. 
@ Feliz -- I thought that my nickname was clear indication of my country Of course, don't think please that every single hospital is like that here. We have a poor health system, that's true, but which country doesn't? It is usually a hard nut to crack for many countries, I guess. But I agree, my story is awfully horrendous, like the whole ill-famed hospital here..
Well, that is supposed to be a joke but will you believe that in my local hospital a patient who had been admitted there, actually had to call an ambulance from his mobile while he was lying on a hospital bed after the surgery in order to call medical staff to stop the flow of blood from his wound...
Eddy ...So funny yet sadly so true judging from what you and Nicole both report. I just wonder how widespread that lady's experience is ??? Makes you think doesn't it?
My personal experience of being in hospitals is a positive one. I have found the medical and para medical staff: eg ambulance drivers/paramedics physiotherapists to be very dedicated and caring people on the whole. The same with G.P.'s (Physicians) in my local doctor's surgery
If there is a lack of personal information being passed to the patient about their condition that situation certainly need to be improved upon ...although, in some cases, I am sure that doctors prefer to wait until tests have been completed - including X rays - and the results returned confirming/negating the doctors initial suspected diagnosis before mentioning anything definite to the patient to avoid causing them unnecessary.alarrm.
Tragically, these days medical staff in England have to spend too much time chasing after stupid targets in this crazy, target-driven culture we have so that at times it seems that the patient almost becomes invisible at times or forgotten -This is, I believe, not because the medical professionals don't care but because they have to spend disproportiante amounts of time writing up what they are doing. I have a cousin who works as a doctor
No doubt a true story. Hay no dudo un cuenta verdad.
