Scary Exit From Hospital.

[Theland]

I got home from the hospital about 8pm and it was scary.
Six beds in our ward bay, and staff made us wear masks in bed, open windows because a positive test had come back from a patient.
He was taken out to a side room, and the cleaners arrived.
I was really to ill to come home, breathless with the least exertion, and when the porter came to collect me, she and a male nurse were concerned and would have called a doctor to reassess me, but I was so desperate to leave, that I reassured them I would be OK once I got home.
My breathing was so bad I became incontinent and wet myself, so I asked for the toilet to empty my bladder completely before continuing home in wet trousers.
I just bad to get out, the ward was seriously understaffed as nurses had been drafted elsewhere to deal with Covid, and some staff called back in from home to help out, along with agency nurses, but still not enough.
Alarms going off all over the place as intravenous pumps needed resetting but nobody to reset them.
Patients pressing bed call alarms for assistance, two or even three staff trying to see to patients who along with breathing problems, bad mental conditions.
The nurses and assistants do not stop for a second, and trying to maintain accuracy on the drug rounds and condition monitoring and recording is almost impossible.
Then the protocols for new patients coming in and discharged patients going out adding even more to the workload.
They need more people and fast.
I hope I manage to stay home, but am really worried about having to go back as I'm not fully recovered, and although the NHS is doing its best with excellent people, it is close to broken, if not already.
They need far more than a Thursday night round of applause.
Bless them all.

[waterboatman]

I'm sorry to see that TL.
As I understand it, we are very short of nurses. In that situation, that will always be the outcome, not fair on patients or nurses.
I can't remember the exact figure quoted, but it's around 50,000 I think.

[Theland]

I've got to self isolate for fourteen days, and am armed with a pamphlet to help me, but my age and health mean that if I develop symptoms, well ............

[waterboatman]

I understand that TL. Until we have the right number of nurses and doctors it will stay this way.

How are you? feeling any better?

[Smowball]

God that sounds a nightmare! Am so so sorry you’re home when you’re probably not fully well but am glad at least that you’re well enough to post this. Really hope you keep making improvements xx

[joeski53]

From what I read, Its been a miracle they have lasted this long. I do hope you get better or at lest feel better than you did!!!!

[zylaphone]

I wish you well

[eve1974]

TL your experience sounds really stressful. For you, the other patients and the nurses!

Can I ask what area of the country u live in?

Here in our corner of Somerset things seem ok ... at the moment...

[Bobbisox1]

Gosh TL this is such sad reading and paints an accurate picture of what's going on in our hospitals right now, your in my thoughts and prayers to make a full recovery xx

[Rosie29]

I hope you are safe Theland. A frightening experience for you.

[puzzled54]

Glad you are home, sounds like an ordeal. Do you mind if I ask how old you are? Are you due for the jab soon?

[lankeela]

Sorry but I have to ask why you think you had to go home if you are not recovered enough? Will it not mean further intervention by medical staff or other carers/family who might then either become infected or put themselves at risk when visiting?

[Apc2604]

I would have done exactly as you did Theland. Mental health is very important and knowing what an anxious person you are (as I am) I would be very scared in that situation. I wish you well.

[tamborine]

Sounds horrendous Theland. Wrap up in an electric blanket to burn out pneumonia & keep empty milk bottles near for bladder use. I pray you recover soon.

Frazer had his vac a week ago & ok but stiil on IVs.

[tiggerblue10]

That's awful. Hope you feel better soon.

[Theland]

Eve I live in Bromborough on the Wirral.

[Theland]

Tambo - God bless Frazer, he's a real trooper :-)

[Theland]

Puzzled - I'm 70 end of the month.

[anneasquith]

T, what is your o2 saturation now you are home and settled.?

[Patsy33]

I know one thing, Theland, you have a very strong constitution! Do the best you can and hopefully you can feel better soon. :-)

[elliemay1]

What a nightmare, Theland! Let us know how you are now please