Failed Discharge

[Barmaid]

FiL had a pacemaker fitted a week ago. Discharged on Friday afternoon. 6 hours later re-admitted after 2 falls with acute kidney infection and double pneumonia.

I'm not medically qualified but imho an 82 year old man should never have been discharged - particularly as these "new" issues should not have manifested in 6 hours. 36 hours later he dies.

Any medical views, please? Particularly Sqad.

[nailit]

So sorry about ur FIL Barmaid.
Sounds like negligence to me. Thats bloody awful.

[Sqad]

Just guesses here Barmaid.

Pacemaker insertion is just a day case OR an overnight stay at most, so on that basis , there are no negligent features, providing that he was symptom free on discharged.

Acute kidney infection and double pneumonia (whatever that is) was that a pre mortem or post mortem diagnosis?
I will hold back any further comments until the above sentence is made clearer.

[Peter Pedant]

I am extremely sorry this occurred BM - - RIP

[Sqad]

I have read your post again.......so it would appear that he was hospitalised for a week following his pacemaker.

Are you saying that in that week the symptoms of a kidney infection AND pneumonia should have presented themselves and treatment instituted?
My comments above remain.

[Peter Pedant]

double pneumonia is a victorian term meaning consolidation involving 2 lobes of the lung.

clearly I havent seen the PM report

[Barmaid]

Pre mortem. We saw him Sat and were told that is what he had. No official CoD yet since it seems likely there will be an inquest.

OH saw him Fri night and he was extremely weak and poorly and was intending to raise it Saturday as to whether he should have been discharged. This must have been apparent on discharge since he only got home at 5. Of course, events then overtook us.

As you can imagine, Sqad, we are all quite upset and angry.

Double pneumonia was how the nurse described it to us - which I understood was in both lungs. But I know nothing. And they took his bloody notes away so I couldnt read them..........

[Sqad]

Barmaid...I cannot comment further on the evidence available.

I would like to see his clinical notes.

[sunny-dave]

You do need someone to get those notes quickly - post hoc revisions are all too common when an investigation is feared ...

[Barmaid]

I am not saying that those symptoms should have manifested in that week Sqad. But 2 hours after discharge it was apparent he was very weak and 4 hours later was readmitted. Which begs the question why he was discharged in the first place. He could barely walk and he lives alone.

When I saw him Saturday (less than 24 hours after he was discharged) I thought to myself that I'd be arranging a funeral soon.

[Barmaid]

I am requesting the notes on Thursday.

Dont get me wrong, I completely accept that deaths of people happen. It's sad and it's unfortunate, but I just cant help wondering why it was felt sensible to discharge him!

[Sqad]

Barmaid...I do understand your concern but I await further information.

We are looking for an impassioned reason as "was he fit medically, for discharge."

[Patsy33]

So sorry Barmaid.
That is very sad. A lot of questions need answering!

[pixie374]

I am really sorry, BM xx I understand it to mean both lungs as well. It really sounds he wasn't ready and I hope you get some answers xx

[Mamyalynne]

Accept my condolences.x

[Tilly2]

I hope you get some answers to the many questions you have to ask. I am sorry to here of your loss. Best wishes for the time ahead.

[pastafreak]

So sorry BM x

[Lie-in King]

My sincere condolences to you & yours, Barmaid. x

[marval]

So sorry to hear this barmaid. xx

[gness]

I'm so sorry, Barmaid.....I'm sure you'll know how to deal with this better than I did....but I still have MrG's notes and the letter of apology from the consultant for the "changed after his death" ones......take care......x

[Samuraisan]

Sorry to hear this Barmaid. Tough time ahead for you and your family. Keep strong.