My Christmas Lunch....

[Jeza]

Since the hospital have said "Don't be expected to be fed" I am taking a crusty ham roll, a piece of the best pork pie in the world and a thermos of hot water to make a decent cup of tea. As hospital food is so bad I will probably take the same for Mic, along with mince pie and fresh cream.
Not looking for sympathy, just sharing my Christmas day.

As an added thought. I have seen the menu's of prisoners. I don't begrudge them their dinner, but hospital patients don't get the same choices.

[Jeza]

Boxy, I thought you cared. I'm not talking about me or Mic, I'm speaking generally. You are a NHS worker. Defend it to the full.

[boxtops]

I don't understand, jeza - the home package would be NHS and social care? I can't do anything about the catering, it's all contracted out these days. I can't defend something if it isn't working, and the NHS is hugely over-stretched these days, it can only do what it can afford. Doesn't mean I agree with it.

[Dee Sa]

beg of Feb my hubby said did I want to go out for Valentines dinner I replied as usual no its a rip off, well can we have T bone steak at home so ordered from our local butcher. Hubby was in hospital by the time the 14th came round and we sat on the end of his bed eating Grieg's Cornish pasties not very romantic but 100 times better than hospital food. we had the steaks the night he came out of hospital.
Take Mic a little bit of home cooking Jeza and hugs & kisses to you both, my heart goes out to you the indifference of the hospital staff can be very hurtful I know.

[shoota]

Did you not get that food kettle?
A nice drop of leek and potato soup will have him up and chasing you round the ward pronto.....

[Ann]

Jeza - my friend's husband had a severe stroke in the Summer. He recently was allowed home as he has recovered very slightly but needs constant care with carers going in through the day. My friend didn't want him to go in a home so this is the home plan they have organised for her. She says her home has been completely taken over by carers coming and going all through the day but she has to make the best of it as it is so lovely to have him home after 4 months in hospital. She could not manage him on her own so is pleased she has all the kind NHS carers helping her. I do hope they allow Mic home with the same level of care, it would be so much better for you. My best wishes go to both of you and I wish for much better health for Mic in 2014 x

[Caran]

Jeza my heart goes out to you. My late husband had a brain tumour, when his company found out they made him redundant. I had to keep working to pay the mortgage so there was no choice, he had to go in a home. It broke my heart and his, but there was no choice. Enjoy your day, don't forget a couple of Christmas crackers.

[nungate]

What an "attitude" "Don't expect to be fed!" I'm in shock! As a visitor I would not expect them to feed me, and knowing the state of the food in our hospitals I wouldn't want it anyway! I'd be taking a basket full of Christmas treats enjoy while I was there (and also to share!) Just put on a nice frock (unless you're like me and never wear the things) and a nice smile and go and have a lovely day with Mic as that is the most important thing. I wish you both a happy Christmas

[TTG]

Commit a crime...get excellent food. Get sick...get adequate (sometimes poor) food.

[cazzz1975]

Hospital food is disgusting, you will probably be the few eating well there on xmas day x

[Maydup]

Will you sneak in a small sherry each or a nice B&C?

Thinking of you Jeza and sending best Christmas wishes to you both.

[woofgang]

Jeza, "They" can't not allow it. Its hospital, not prison. You have to be realistic about what you can manage but they CANNOT forbid Mic to leave hospital.

[woofgang]

I agree with you about res.care and said exactly the same when DH was ill. He came home and passed away here. He was terrified of dying in hospital.

[Mamyalynne]

Woof, I have often felt a pang of guilt for being amongst the that - to use Jeza's words, encouraged her to 'break her promise' to Mic and make inroads into hospital care.

However, the night she posted, it was desperate - could not move him from the sofa and was totally stuck. I agree no one can stop Jeza hiring a private ambulance and bringing Mic home, but without everything needed in place, it would be back to square one.

I can only urge another call to GP or whoever to get something set up at home, so Jeza with help can nurse Mic there.

I know how tough it is, physically and mentally - in my case Bill was terminal and adamant he did not want to got into a Hospice (yes, I know they can be wonderful places) his GP was fabulous and we got all the equipment needed. I pray that Jeza gets someone on her side through the same or similar route.

[boxtops]

Hear hear mamya, that would be the best Christmas gift for Jeza and Mic.

[woofgang]

Mamya, I wasn't encouraging Jeza to do anything rash, but I have been where she is, also been professionally involved in discharge planning, and I know that sometimes hospitals will take the easy route. If she and Mic want Mic home and the hospital aren't giving him active treatment that he can only get in hospital then sometimes the foot down is needed to get the additional care and support that will get someone home.
My point as that it isn't the hospitals choice or decision as to whether someone goes home and if they are dragging their feet without good reason, then this may need to be pointed out to them.
For what its worth, having been where Jeza is and made the same promise and broken it too, I think she did the right thing.

[Mamyalynne]

Woofgang, I did not mean to imply disagreement in my reply - as you say been there and I know you are right.

[woofgang]

Mamya (hug)

[Blackiequine]

What a difficult situation to be in, my heart goes out to you both. Please don't feel guilty, you did your best for him. I would have thought you would be given every assistance to help you cope at home.
Having just been in hospital myself I must say that the food was absolutely gorgeous, the staff were very hard-worked but never let it show. It made me angry, though, to think of their pay and the proposed 11% for MPs.
Hope things improve for you soon.