OT 25309 the NHS

[Geoff Parkstone]

Reducing customers is an interesting option. Reducing care standards will deal with that one quickly enough but reducing time wasters at front end in A&E and educating customers that A&E is just that would ensure smooth flow. My experience is very limited but there seemed a lot of people with no clear reason to be there although I accept sight will not always be a reliable assessment

My overriding impression is that there are a huge number of very old virtual veggies staring into space in here (ok I've not been in pediatrics or maternity.) But a more Malthusian approach could ease overcrowding although may not be to my advantage...

[ramAnag]

Reducing customers is an interesting option. Reducing care standards will deal with that one quickly enough but reducing time wasters at front end in A&E and educating customers that A&E is just that would ensure smooth flow. My experience is very limited but there seemed a lot of people with no clear reason to be there although I accept sight will not always be a reliable assessment

My overriding impression is that there are a huge number of very old virtual veggies staring into space in here (ok I've not been in pediatrics or maternity.) But a more Malthusian approach could ease overcrowding although may not be to my advantage...

I have only spent one night in hospital (aged about 7) in my entire life and (touch wood) hope it stays that way…but, about eleven years ago, my wife was seriously ill and spent 17 nights in the Derby Royal. Treatment at the sharp (operating theatre) end appeared brilliant…at the more routine (recovery) end, more mixed and actually quite poor on a Sunday - hope you’re out by then GP.

My abiding memory however is…it was December and there were a number of elderly people there who simply didn’t want to leave. I visited twice a day, every day…they had few visitors but were warm, safe, fed, watered and generally well cared for with company and no outgoings to worry about. Because there were misgivings about the circumstances they were returning to they stayed…taking up much needed bed space and there seemed little the hospital could do about it. It needs addressing.

[Trickytreesreds]

I have only spent one night in hospital (aged about 7) in my entire life and (touch wood) hope it stays that way…but, about eleven years ago, my wife was seriously ill and spent 17 nights in the Derby Royal. Treatment at the sharp (operating theatre) end appeared brilliant…at the more routine (recovery) end, more mixed and actually quite poor on a Sunday - hope you’re out by then GP.

My abiding memory however is…it was December and there were a number of elderly people there who simply didn’t want to leave. I visited twice a day, every day…they had few visitors but were warm, safe, fed, watered and generally well cared for with company and no outgoings to worry about. Because there were misgivings about the circumstances they were returning to they stayed…taking up much needed bed space and there seemed little the hospital could do about it. It needs addressing.

I quite agree.
In my long stint, there was 4 of us in a bay. The guy opposiite and I had had major gastro surgery and were on nil by mouth and morphine. To my left of me, was a guy in his mid 70's , suffering dementia and he'd been there 5 months, whilst they tried to find him suitable accomodation. The other guy was 93 and in there because his wife had been in 6 weeks and dying. No one to look after him. Pathetic situation.