No Post-Op Follow-Up At Home; Local Cottage-Hospital Recently Closed

[gl556tr]

Less than two weeks ago, a relative had a major operation in Torbay hospital. He was home within two days.
--> Only a few months ago, his local cottage-hospital in Dartmouth was closed - that, in spite of it playing an important function for the local community. This would usually have been an ideal intermediate post-op treatment unit.

I have heard from his wife that he has not been visited by his GP, nor even has there been a phone-call. She had given the GP a note from the hospital. The patient has been in considerable pain - so, after initial hefty stuff(?), the GP prescribed paracetamol.

Surely, there must be some well-oiled follow-up medical support for such a situation - more so, with the local cottage-hospital now closed? A GP initially, followed by nursing support would seem obvious.

(My elderly mother last year suffered a sub-dural clot, refused an op, but was kept in hospital with blood-thinning medication. On being discharged, her GP + nurse called, as did a physiotherapist to help improve/remove her stroke-like after-effects.)

Has anybody experienced similar stories?

[Mamyalynne]

I haven't but it seems like this Gentleman may have slipped through some bureaucratic crack - his wife needs to contact the surgery and impress on them that he is not recovering well post op.

Cottage Hospitals and Convalescent homes were a huge help in this at one time I agree.

[Mamyalynne]

ps


I am not qualified in any way, outfit is purely fancy dress.

[Sqad]

I cannot envisage a patient having a major operation and being discharged after 2 days......but if you say so.
What operation did he have?
A G.P service is perfectly satisfactory with or without a district nurse.
If the GP has prescribed paracetamol for pain, then one must assume that he has seen him and assess the situation.
You are correct in that a report should follow, but this may take up up a week. If pain is still a problem then a GP call would be necessary or if it is that bad take him back to A&E in Torbay.

Cottage hospitals are an expensive luxury which serve very little purpose in this day and age.

[bednobs]

what exactly could a cottage hospital do for your friend?
i also think times have somewhat changed. If your friend has pain, they would be expected to call the GP themselves (and why not, it doesnt seem unreasonable really?)

[bednobs]

ps if the gp prescribed paracetamol. they they have been followed up at home

[bednobs]

and lastly here you would not get paracetamol prescribed - you would be expeted to buy it, after all it's only about 25p

[gl556tr]

** Additional info **
My mother lives in central UK. Perhaps NHS organisation and support is easier to come by.
In Devon, travelling from A to B often entails circuitous routes which are always time-consuming. Even in Winter. As the crow flies, the distance from their home to Torbay Hospital is Inhabitants at Barnstaple in north Devon also had their C-H closed. Now, they have to drive across the county (lovely scenery) to Exeter hospital. Similar to the Dartmouth & TH situation.


S: I agree! A cancerous kidney was removed - and home two days later seems rather steep.
His Missus gave me the impression of a tall-story yarn...

But, I do get the impression of NHS resources being stretched. Poor staff: usually ++, their pay ----!